Scandal Hits NJC Judicial Interview Panel as Nepotism Allegations Emerge After Member’s Daughter, Other ‘Insider Candidates’ Named for Judicial Appointments
Public controversy has erupted over the composition of a key National Judicial Council (NJC) interview panel following allegations of nepotism and insider dealing in the selection of candidates for judicial appointments. Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the panel was constituted in a manner that allegedly favours connected candidates, raising serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and conflict of interest.
According to the sources, the interview panel is chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court. Allegations have emerged that a foster child and research assistant of Justice Okoro is being positioned as the preferred candidate from Akwa Ibom State. Further concerns were raised after retired Supreme Court Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs was reportedly named to replace another panel member, despite claims that his daughter is an “insider candidate” from Kaduna State and is among those to be interviewed.
Other members of the panel include retired Supreme Court justices Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Bode Rhodes-Vivour, former Court of Appeal Justice Adeola Moshood, as well as current and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidents Afam Osigwe and Yakubu Maikyau. While their inclusion adds institutional weight, critics argue it does not sufficiently address the alleged conflicts of interest.
Human rights lawyer and former NHRC chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, publicly condemned the situation, stating that allowing a panel member to interview his own daughter violates basic principles of conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the judicial appointment process.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and the public, with many warning that perceived insider dealing within the judiciary could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. Observers are calling on the NJC to ensure strict adherence to transparency, impartiality, and ethical standards in the selection of judicial officers.
Public controversy has erupted over the composition of a key National Judicial Council (NJC) interview panel following allegations of nepotism and insider dealing in the selection of candidates for judicial appointments. Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the panel was constituted in a manner that allegedly favours connected candidates, raising serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and conflict of interest.
According to the sources, the interview panel is chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court. Allegations have emerged that a foster child and research assistant of Justice Okoro is being positioned as the preferred candidate from Akwa Ibom State. Further concerns were raised after retired Supreme Court Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs was reportedly named to replace another panel member, despite claims that his daughter is an “insider candidate” from Kaduna State and is among those to be interviewed.
Other members of the panel include retired Supreme Court justices Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Bode Rhodes-Vivour, former Court of Appeal Justice Adeola Moshood, as well as current and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidents Afam Osigwe and Yakubu Maikyau. While their inclusion adds institutional weight, critics argue it does not sufficiently address the alleged conflicts of interest.
Human rights lawyer and former NHRC chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, publicly condemned the situation, stating that allowing a panel member to interview his own daughter violates basic principles of conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the judicial appointment process.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and the public, with many warning that perceived insider dealing within the judiciary could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. Observers are calling on the NJC to ensure strict adherence to transparency, impartiality, and ethical standards in the selection of judicial officers.
Scandal Hits NJC Judicial Interview Panel as Nepotism Allegations Emerge After Member’s Daughter, Other ‘Insider Candidates’ Named for Judicial Appointments
Public controversy has erupted over the composition of a key National Judicial Council (NJC) interview panel following allegations of nepotism and insider dealing in the selection of candidates for judicial appointments. Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the panel was constituted in a manner that allegedly favours connected candidates, raising serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and conflict of interest.
According to the sources, the interview panel is chaired by Justice Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court. Allegations have emerged that a foster child and research assistant of Justice Okoro is being positioned as the preferred candidate from Akwa Ibom State. Further concerns were raised after retired Supreme Court Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs was reportedly named to replace another panel member, despite claims that his daughter is an “insider candidate” from Kaduna State and is among those to be interviewed.
Other members of the panel include retired Supreme Court justices Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Bode Rhodes-Vivour, former Court of Appeal Justice Adeola Moshood, as well as current and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) presidents Afam Osigwe and Yakubu Maikyau. While their inclusion adds institutional weight, critics argue it does not sufficiently address the alleged conflicts of interest.
Human rights lawyer and former NHRC chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, publicly condemned the situation, stating that allowing a panel member to interview his own daughter violates basic principles of conflict of interest and undermines the credibility of the judicial appointment process.
The allegations have sparked widespread debate among legal practitioners, civil society groups, and the public, with many warning that perceived insider dealing within the judiciary could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system. Observers are calling on the NJC to ensure strict adherence to transparency, impartiality, and ethical standards in the selection of judicial officers.
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