Due Process Wasn’t Flouted in Judges Appointment–Kwara CJ

Due Process Wasn’t Flouted in Judges Appointment–Kwara CJ

The Chief of Kwara State, Justice S. D. Kawu has debunked news making the rounds that due process was flouted in the process leading to the appointment of five new judges for the Kwara State High Court.

He said the process which finally culminated into the appointments of the judges was approved by the National Judicial Commission (NJC) in Abuja.

The newly-appointed judges are Funsho Dada Lawal, Olanipekun Sherifat Bola Esq., Hussein Toyin Kawu Esq., Nureni Kuranga Esq., and Umar Zikki Jubril Esq.

They were today sworn-in by Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman at the Kwara State Government House.

In his remark at the event, Justice Kawu, explained that, “After the close of the period for nominations on 19th September, 2019, a provisional shortlist of ten out of the seventy three (73) candidates who indicated interest was made.”

He said: “The shortlisting exercise, I must emphasise, was never whimsical nor capricious, but based among other factors, on professional expertise and competence, year of call to the Bar, offices held, number of recommendations obtained etc.

“The names of the ten (10) shortlisted candidates were thereafter sent to serving and retired judges of the State High Court, the Ilorin and Offa branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Department of State Security Services for comments.”

The Kwara CJ, further stated that, “After the receipt of the comments of these bodies, the State Judicial Service Commission met on 30th October, 2019 for an interface with the ten (10) shortlisted candidates whose names were subsequently forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as judges of Kwara State High Court.

“Again the National Judicial Council (NJC) interviewed the ten (10) shortlisted candidates and after deliberating on the report of its interview committee, the council at its meeting of 22nd and 23rd April, 2020 found five (5) of the ten nominated candidates suitable for appointment.”

As an independent arm of government which is conscious of its constitutional responsibility, the Chief Judge, said the State Judiciary shall continue to work in harmony with the other branches of government for the greater good of the people of the State.

By PRNigeria