Date Published: 03/11/11

Commitee set up by the NJC to probe Salami and the CJN

The Civil Liberties Organisation applaud the decision of the National Judicial Council by constituting a panel to investigate the allegations of compromise of the Sokoto State gubernatorial case levelled against the Chief justice of Nigeria, Justice Katsina-Alu and Justice Ayo Salami the president of the court of Appeal. These are two eminent justices who are the the top echelon of the Nation’s judiciary. The decision for the two eminent jurists to step aside while the investigation lasted is a good development as it accord with the internationally acceptable best practices and in line with the elementary principle of the law that no one can be a judge in his own case. This of course is globally accepted conduct and civilised practice all over the world as he that goes to equity must go with clean hands.

The panel must dispassionately and objectively investigate the matter with a view to striping the temple of justice from impurities and restore the confidence and hope of the common man seeking justice. This mess must be cleared promptly and timely given the fact that the next election is coming and there will arise various cases wherein these officers would have principal roles to play in the electoral adjudication. It is also an opportunity for the judiciary to not only purge itself of the perceived infractions of corruption but also build and restore public confidence in the adjudicatory process

We believe if this lofty process is taken to an enviable height wherein the principles of justice, equity, and fair hearing are given due consideration and application; the judiciary would have distinguished itself as an arm of government that is prepared to stamp out corruption within its fold unlike other arms that will attempt a cover up.

The committee must be upright, fair, and fearless and must resist any form of blackmail in order to give hope to Nigerians while restoring integrity to the judiciary.

Aluko-Daniel Steve

Executive Director

Civil Liberties Organisation

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