A non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to expediting justice in Nigeria, Citizens’ Gavel, has implored Nigerians to be engaged in the ongoing judicial officers’ appointment process.
The group said the integrity of Nigerian democracy is not solely determined by electoral outcomes but equally by the judicious selection of judicial officers.
Citizens’ Gavel in a statement by Charles Akintola for its Communications Team maintained that the involvement of the Nigerian people is paramount in shaping a trustworthy and equitable judicial system.
It said the 12 of the 24 nominated judges is a crucial phase for Nigeria’s democratic journey as more people will be vested with powers to uphold justice, maintain the rule of law, interpret laws, review the constitution, resolve disputes and protect the rights of the ordinary Nigerian, all of which directly impacts the life of every Nigerian.
“Also, in the vein of judicial accountability, the group has condemned the prevalence of decadence in the Nigerian Judicial System, which has been noticeable in recent years. To nip this decadence in the bud, Citizens’ Gavel urgently beckons the people of Nigeria to exercise their democratic right to a transparent and accountable process in appointing judges.
“The NGO insists on the necessity of basing judicial selections on merit and established integrity to arrest the current degradation and fortify the foundations of justice in the nation. Moving forward, the group urges the Nigerian judiciary to dispense equal consequences for action, such that everyone plays by the same rules stipulated by the constitution, regardless of status, tribe, religion or name, just as is obtainable in developed, democratic countries.
“Leading the charge for judicial accountability, Citizens’ Gavel have meticulously compiled and presented the profiles of the identified twenty-four appointees. The organisation invites the Nigerian public to exercise their civic duty by thoroughly examining each individual’s profile.
“Concerns regarding any appointee’s character, conduct, or impartiality should be formally addressed through a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC). Citizens are encouraged to articulate their objections clearly and send a copy of their correspondence to [email protected],” the statement added.
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