Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a prominent attorney and advisor to former vice president Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) presidential candidate, has expressed concerns on the unbalanced selection of Supreme Court justices.
He specifically brought up the recent appeal against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the presidential election involving Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
According to Ozekhome, Nigeria’s constitution calls for 21 jurists to guarantee equitable representation. He noted that there are only 10 justices at the moment because the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) does not hold a full administrative officer position.
All Not In Order With Supreme Court – Rights Group
Ozekhome reportedly questioned the Supreme Court’s capacity to carry out its mandate with such a small membership and demanded a more thorough examination of the court’s decision on the case, as it carries significant policy implications.
He also expressed disapproval of the 2022 Electoral Act’s disdain for technical developments, which he feels have been compromised by the court’s ruling.
Remember that Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, was accused of abusing his position by retiring Supreme Court justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad, who reportedly withdrew from the seven-member panel that rejected all appeals seeking President Bola Tinubu’s removal from office.
Speaking at a farewell event hosted in his honour by the Supreme Court, the retired judge exposed the flaws in the legal system that still impact the nation’s legal system.
Panic As Supreme Court Set To Begin Hearing On Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Appeal
On the panel that heard the presidential election appeals by Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Justice Muhammad, said: “To ensure justice and transparency in presidential appeals from the lower court, all geo-political zones are required to participate in the hearing.
“It is, therefore, dangerous for democracy and equity for two entire regions to be left out in the decisions that will affect the generality of Nigerians.
“This is not what our laws envisage. Although it can be posited that no one expected the sudden passing of Hon. Justice Nweze JSC, yet, it has been two years and seven months since the previous justice from South-East died, and no appointment was made.”
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