A former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, reportedly revealed a pattern of apparent nepotism and cronyism throughout the Nigerian court, especially among senior judicial officers, according to the Punch article. He gave specific instances, citing Chief Justice Ariwoola and the President of the Court of Appeal, who were both accused of promoting their family members’ legal careers.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
He highlighted how these appointments were made within a short period of time, suggesting that they were not based on merit but rather on family connections and political influence.
He noted that this practice undermines the integrity of the judicial system and threatens to erode public trust in the judiciary.
He said, “Olukayode Ariwoola in a mere two years as Chief Justice has advanced his son and his daughter-in-law to the bench. The President of the Court of Appeal got her daughter appointed judge of the Plateau High Court in January 2021; her son-in-law, the husband of that daughter appointed to the Court of Appeal in October 2023, and then the same daughter is now being moved from Plateau State to the Abuja High Court in another round of appointments. In the latest round of nominations to fill 12 vacancies in the High Court of the FCT, at least seven of those nominated are children or wives (or both) of senior judicial officers or politicians.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>