First female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mukhtar has warned that the legitimacy and independence of the nation’s judiciary was being threatened by the growing culture of lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism.
Justice Mukhtar called for immediate end to the harmful practice where competence becomes a secondary consideration for appointment and elevation in the judiciary.
The retired CJN spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the launch of the biography of Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, who retired on February 27, this year, as Justice of the Supreme Court. The book is titled: “Honey from the rock”.
In her words: “I will, at this junction, revisit the issue of lobbying and in addition favouritism and godfatherism in the appointment of judicial officers.
“It is sad that we allow the rising culture of lobbying to influence appointment in the judiciary.
“If we are to revive what held sway in the past, that is, maintaining a strong and competent judiciary, then merit should be the watchword. Lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism should be discouraged and discarded, as they lead to the fall in the standard, and instead of enhancing the institution; they devalue and weaken it because of incompetence of the personnel.
“These practices negate the principles of justice and breeds indiscipline.
“I once read in one of our daily newspapers that lobbying is the norm in the USA (United States of America) and since we are practising the American system of democracy, it’s adoption here is in order.
“I disagree because even if they do so, they consider merit first as the efficiency and the intellectual ability of an appointee is always paramount, as far as the judiciary is concerned.
“We should not think of only what we desire today, but what we will bequeath to the generation yet unborn.”
The Ex-CJN, former military leader General Yakubu Gowon, ex-Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma and other speakers at the event eulogised Justice Ogunbiyi.
They were unanimous in describing her as an incorruptible judge, a virtuous and humble woman and an advocate of the rights of women and girl-child.
Referring to Justice Ogunbiyi, the ex-CJN, who served as the event’s co-Chair, noted: “A virtue that precedes our celebrant is humility, which I always admire in people, particularly women. There is no gainsaying that Clara is an epitome of humility.
“She gives respect to whom it is due, and even to those who do not deserve it despite the height she has reached in her career. She understands that it does not diminish what she stands for. Today I celebrate my dear sister, who has done not only Borno State and the North East Zone of Nigeria proud, but the whole country called Nigeria,” Justice Mukhtar said.
Gowon, who co-Chaired the event with Justice Mukhtar, said he was delighted to be part of the event to honour a woman who devoted herself to the service of her fatherland. He noted that she was not only a distinguished jurist, but a devout Christian.
Danjuma, who was represented by former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a courageous jurist, who is committed to the truth and justice. He noted that the country needs more of her in this trying time.
Justice Ogunbiyi, who prayed God to equally honour all those who turned up for the event, said: “You have all made me to feel to be somebody. For a girl from the village, from nowhere; to be so honoured by you all, I am really, really grateful.”
She hailed her parents for her attainment in life and urged parents to support their female children and accord them equal opportunity as the male.
