Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola
G5 Governors: Atiku’s aide slams CJN for frolicking with politicians
…Says CJN action dangerous to nation’s democracy
Aide to Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) , Phrank Shaibu has taken a swipe at the remarks made on Friday by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Oluwakayode Ariwoola, suggesting fraternity between the chief judicial officer and some politicians.
Shaibu said Justice Ariwoola’s descent into political commentaries portends great dangers for the country’s judiciary.
Shaibu pointed out what the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers said and the implications, adding, “such frolicking with politicians is at variance with Rule 1 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers says that a judicial officer should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities.’
He also pointed out what rule 2(a) which pertains to social relationships specifically said, adding, “A Judicial Officer must avoid social relationships that are improper or give rise to an appearance of impropriety, that cast doubt on the judicial officer’s ability to decide cases impartially, or that bring disrepute to the Judiciary.”
Shaibu, in a statement on Friday, noted that “last month, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Lateef Ariwoola, inaugurated 277 election petition tribunal members to adjudicate on matters arising from the 2023 General Elections in the country.
“At the event, Justice Ariwoola warned judges to remain neutral and impartial during this political season. He also warned politicians against trying to induce judges.
“However, it may seem the honourable CJN is not ready to lead by example going by his recent utterances and open and blatant hobnobbing with politicians.”
The statement specifically frowns at the frequency in which the CJN makes remarks in support of actions by a group of governors of the PDP led by the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.
