In an effort to enhance judicial transparency, civic tech NGO Citizens’ Gavel has recently concluded a meticulous examination of 10 judges nominated for the Supreme Court Judgeship in Nigeria, set to be presented on Monday, December 18, 2023.
The justices under examination include Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru, Hon. Justice Stephen Adah, Hon. Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu C. Sankey, Hon. Justice Chioma E. Nwosu-Iheme, Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein, Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar, Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya, and Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur.
Racheal Adio, Communication Associate of Citizens’ Gavel, explained the organization’s commitment, stating, “The project aims to expose inadequacies within the judiciary, address issues of transparency and accountability, and advocate for the unbundling of the Chief Justice’s office to ensure checks and balances.”
The initiative surpasses mere identification, seeking to discipline individuals involved in corrupt practices within the judiciary.
Moreso, the Operation Lead, Olufemi Ajibade, speaking on behalf of the organization, stressed, “Through extensive research, financial motivations were identified as a potential source of corruption within the judiciary.”
Ajibade highlighted the critical need for financial independence for judges, stating, “Judicial accountability is meant to highlight some of the inadequacies within the judiciaries. Issues around transparency and accountability within the justice delivery sector.
“These judges are at the center point of these inadequacies, corrupt practices, disciplinary mechanisms, or frameworks that are currently existing and not doing enough to tackle the issue. There’s a state of Judicial capture going on at the moment. What I mean is that a situation where the executive arm of the government has great influence within the judiciary or has appointed people that are of interest to them and has done a lot of things to make sure that judgment goes in their favor.
Advocating for financial independence is crucial to improving judges’ welfare and reducing susceptibility to external pressures from executives or politicians.”
Expanding on the project’s broad objectives, Ajibade added, “The public, media, and regulatory bodies are urged to collaborate in combating the misuse of online platforms, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.”
In addition to the disclosed information, the NGO revealed that the investigation included comprehensive background checks, interviews, and a detailed analysis of the judges’ past decisions. Citizens’ Gavel assures the public that the process adhered to ethical standards and legal protocols.
The organization has released a comprehensive report detailing its findings and recommendations, further engaging the public in the discourse surrounding judicial accountability.
The report sheds light on systemic challenges and proposes actionable steps towards achieving a fair and transparent legal system, as Ajibade noted, “This report is not just about pointing out issues; it’s about advocating for tangible solutions that promote a judicial system we can all trust.”