The National Judicial Council (NJC) has refuted a letter claiming that it had relinquished its powers concerning judges’ appointments and promotions to state governors. The letter, purportedly signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and addressed to the Chief Judge of Kebbi State, was dismissed by the NJC as false.
In a statement released by the NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, it was clarified that the letter did not originate from the council or the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who serves as its chairman. The fabricated letter falsely asserted that a Kebbi State law granted the governor the authority to determine judges’ seniority and that the NJC lacked the power to overrule or reverse the governor’s decisions.
The statement read, “The National Judicial Council hereby emphatically disclaimed the letter as there is no iota of truth in it and no such letter ever emanated from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria or the Council.”
The NJC urged citizens to disregard the letter and its contents. The matter has been reported to security agencies for investigation, and the council is determined to uncover and hold accountable the individuals behind the false communication.