Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, and other Nigerians have criticized Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for attending a dinner hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in her honor.
The fraternization between politicians and judges, especially when governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, give lavish gifts like cars and houses to judges, has sparked concerns about potential undue influence and conflicts of interest in the judiciary.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun assumed office as Chief Justice of Nigeria on August 22, 2024. Her presence at the dinner has raised questions about the ethics of accepting such hospitality.
The criticism is part of a broader discussion on the judiciary’s independence and the possibility of political interference.
Odinkalu and others argue that such actions erode the integrity of the judicial system.
On Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu shared pictures from the event on his social media account, praising Justice Kekere-Ekun for her contributions to the judiciary and her role as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s legal system.
We honor Justice Kekere-Ekun, her extraordinary journey, and the promising future she is shaping for both our judiciary and our nation,” the governor added.
We honor Justice Kekere-Ekun, her extraordinary journey, and the promising future she is shaping for both our judiciary and our nation,” the governor added.
But Odinkalu in a tweet on Sunday, knocked Justice Kekere-Ekun, saying the governor has a pending case before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Odinkalu said, “I suspect someone will tell me Madam CJN’s memory is wonky. If not, then how did she forget that the governor of Lagos State is a litigant before her @SupremeCourtNg?
“How can she call younger judges to order when they fraternize in this manner or she just plainly can’t see it?!”
“I was really prepared to give Madam CJN a chance but this here….? I’ll be plain: This truly sucks!!” he added.
Makati (@MakatiGboy) said, “This should nt be happening at all. The CJN/judiciary Is the bedrock of our democracy. Social event like this will not speak good.
“We miss the good old days were judiciary was respected.”
In July, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, asked the Supreme Court to restrain the Lagos governor, Sanwo-Olu, from imposing movement restrictions on Lagosians during the planned monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
In a Motion on Notice filed at the registry of the Supreme Court on Saturday, Adegboruwa, pleaded for an order of injunction to restrain Sanwo-Olu and the other respondents from taking steps to restrict his movement and that of other residents of Lagos State, on the last Saturday or any other day of every month for the purpose of observing any environmental exercise/activity pending the hearing and final determination of the appeal pending in the Supreme Court.
Adegboruwa is also seeking an order restraining the respondents from arresting and detaining him and other residents of Lagos State on the last Saturday or any other day of every month whatsoever, for the purpose of enforcing compliance with the environmental sanitation policy of Lagos State pending the hearing and final determination of the appeal pending before the Supreme Court.
Credit to Sahara Reporters