Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Efio-Ita Nyok|11 October 2016
The names below are the identities of the seven judges recently arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS). Some are currently in DSS detention facilities while some have been released.
*Supreme Court of Nigeria
1. Justice Inyang Okoro, and
2. Sylvester Ngwuta;
*Federal High Court, Abuja
3. Adeniyi Ademola;
*Kano High Court
4. Kabir Auta;
*Gombe High Court,
5. Muazu Pindiga
*Court of Appeal in Ilorin
6. Mohammed Tsamiya,
*Ministry of Justice, Enugu
7. I. A. Umezulike, Chief Judge of Enugu State.
The reason for their arrest and subsequent detention is corruption. The present APC led Federal Government was voted on a tripod of campaign promise namely, to fix Nigeria's comatose economy, redress insecurity and contend with corruption.
The arrest of these judges and the alleged evidence tagged against them seem to suggest that the federal government is making good its promises in terms of fighting corruption, though this fight against corruption is perceived to be witch-hunting and political vendatta.
The significance of corruption in other spheres of society don't compare to that in the Judiciary. That of the judiciary suggests that justice will be elusive and for the highest bidder. Let justice begin in the temple of justice for charity they say begin at home.
In a statement credited to the outgoing Chief Justice of the Supreme Court made yesterday,
'My lords, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, not to detract from this occasion, it is indeed very saddening and deeply regrettable, the distressing and unfortunate incident, which occurred on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, 2016.
'However, I must ask all Nigerians to remain calm and prayerful, as emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council, which will take place tomorrow (Tuesday), will comprehensively look into the matter.
'Furthermore, I must express my sincere appreciation to the executive of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, ably led by the President, Abubakar Mahmoud, (SAN), and indeed all members of the legal profession, for their prompt action, and continued support.'
Be that as it may, I think the government's crusade against the eyesore called corruption should be encouraged. They may be some mistakes, but I think the intentions of Mr President are honest in this regard.
Efio-Ita Nyok
Is a Blogger & the Editor of NegroidHaven.org