In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the legal and political spheres, a petition has been filed with the National Judicial Council (NJC) against six judges over alleged misconduct in the Borno South Senatorial seat case. The petition, filed by Sesugh Akume, a prominent political analyst, has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the judges involved in the case, prompting a call for an investigation by the NJC.
The judges at the center of this controversy include three Justices of the Court of Appeal and three members of the Borno State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal. The petition, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who also chairs the NJC, alleges that the judges’ conduct in delivering their judgments was improper and has raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process.
According to the petition, the judges are accused of delivering what has been described as a “perverse judgment” in the Borno South Senatorial seat case. Specifically, the judges of the Court of Appeal named in the petition are Justice Biobale Abraham Georgewill, Justice Folashade Ayodeji Ojo, and Justice Peter Chudi Obiora. These judges are alleged to have delivered a contentious judgment in appeal No: CA/G/EP/SEN/04/23, which took place on November 2, 2023, in the Abuja division of the court.
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The petition also targets the three Judges of the Borno State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, namely Justices M. E Anenih, A. I Ityonyiman, and O.A Adeniji. These judges are accused of dismissing the petition No: EPT/BOR/SEN/02/23 in the case of Kudia M.Saluman & PDP V INEC, APC & Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
The petitioner has invoked the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2016, and Section 2 of the Code, alleging that the judges arrived at conclusions that were deemed to be perverse and repeatedly stated as such on the record. The petition raises concerns about the admissibility of evidence and the handling of testimony, highlighting what it describes as flaws in the judges’ decisions.
One of the key allegations in the petition is that the tribunal’s judgment appeared to contradict its own findings, leading to questions about the impartiality and integrity of the judicial process. Furthermore, the petitioner alleges that details of the tribunal’s judgment were allegedly shared by aides and supporters of Senator Ali Ndume before the official announcement, raising concerns about the integrity of the entire legal proceeding.
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The petition also points to what it describes as inconsistencies in the Court of Appeal’s judgment, highlighting what the petitioner sees as a contradiction between the court’s evaluation of evidence and its ultimate decision to uphold the tribunal’s judgment. The petition raises serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the judicial process, calling for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the judges involved.
In response to these allegations, the NJC has been urged to investigate the complaint and take appropriate action against the judges if misconduct is found. This development has sparked widespread debate and controversy, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the judicial system to ensure public confidence and trust in the integrity of the legal process.
The filing of this petition represents a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Borno South Senatorial seat, and it has the potential to have far-reaching implications for the judiciary and the political landscape in Nigeria. As the NJC considers the petition and conducts its investigation, the outcome of this case will be closely watched by legal experts, political observers, and the general public.
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In conclusion, the allegations of misconduct against the six judges involved in the Borno South legal tussle have raised serious concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the judicial process. The petition filed with the NJC represents a significant step in seeking accountability and transparency in the legal system. As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight will remain on this case, with implications that could extend beyond the specific legal dispute at hand.
