HURIWA labels retiring Chief Justice Ariwoola as the “worst ever,” sparking controversy over his tenure and the state of Nigeria’s judiciary.
HURIWA has criticized Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, arguing that his tenure as CJN will not be celebrated by the average Nigerian citizen.
According to OBASANJONEWS, Ariwoola has retired from his position as Chief Justice of Nigeria upon reaching retirement age.
According to HURIWA, Justice Ariwoola’s leadership was marked by nepotism, alleged corruption and a complete lack of adherence to the principles of righteousness and impartiality. They depicted his tenure as one of the most disappointing epochs in Nigeria’s judicial history.
The judiciary’s credibility was notably tarnished, and it was left in disarray by the tenure of Justice Ariwoola as reported by HURIWA.
“The introduction of nepotistic practices in the appointment of judges was one of the most concerning aspects during his time in office,” stated Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator for HURIWA.
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The appointment of Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, Justice Ariwoola’s brother, as the head of the audit department at the National Judicial Council (NJC) was emphasized by the association. This position reports directly to both the Chief Justice and Chairman of NJC.
The group contended that this scenario creates an obvious clash of interests and prompts significant inquiries into the financial activities’ genuineness by NJC.
In addition, the association expressed disapproval of Justice Ariwoola’s role in ensuring that his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., was appointed as a Judge for the Federal High Court.
The statement added that the move, which provoked a significant public protest, serves as an indication of the firmly established nepotistic environment fostered during Justice Ariwoola’s tenure.
The actions of Justice Ariwoola have established a risky pattern, promoting comparable conduct among other leaders in the judicial field.
To exemplify, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, who presides over Abuja’s court system, seems to have followed in the footsteps of Justice Ariwoola by granting a position on the bench as judge for his own daughter Maryam Baba-Yusuf. Moreover, it has been claimed that he also appointed other new judges from noteworthy political families such as former governors and ministers.
The Nigerian judiciary could face severe consequences as a result of these actions. A judge in the federal court has stated that having influential connections is almost mandatory to become a Federal High Court judge in Nigeria.
HURIWA claimed that this has emphasized how corruption has contaminated the process of appointing judges.
