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IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
By: Michael Mike
Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has welcomed the recent action taken by the National Judicial Council (NJC) in suspending three judges and nullifying the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State, asking the body to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust
IJAP, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Honourable Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade JCA (rtd.), noted that: ‘‘The decisions, taken in response to judicial misconduct and procedural irregularities, reflect growing public demand for transparency, integrity, and accountability within the judiciary,” adding that: “However, this must not remain a reactive gesture. As a body entrusted with safeguarding the independence and ethics of the judiciary, the NJC must rise beyond disciplinary enforcement driven only by public petitions. We reiterate the urgent need for the NJC to adopt a proactive framework which rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while identifying and disqualifying those who act in breach of public trust.”
IJAP’s recommendations, outlined in its Technical Working Group’s policy submissions, call on the NJC to: Implement a “Punishment and Reward” System. Judges who uphold integrity and demonstrate consistent professionalism should be elevated. Conversely, those who compromise due processincluding misusing ex parte orders should not only face sanctions but also be disqualified from elevation to the Higher Bench and from being given sensitive roles like election tribunals.
IJAP commended the NJC for its resolution to henceforth publish the names of candidates being considered for appointment as judicial officers to Superior Courts of Record for information and comments by the public, noting that this will Introduce Citizens’ Scrutiny in Judicial Appointments, to enhance transparency, build public confidence, and ensure that only fit and proper candidates ascend to the bench
IJAP also recommended that Disciplinary Reports should be made public to deter judicial misconduct and align the Council’s actions with public interest; Strengthening of Judicial Oversight by investing in the collection and analysis of judicial performance data, addressing inconsistent judgments, and collaborating with the National Judicial Institute to train judiciary staff on global best practices.
It also advocated for the Passage of the Whistleblowing Bill on Judicial Misconduct, which would provide a formal mechanism for reporting unethical behaviour in the judiciary while protecting whistle-blowers from retaliation.
IJAP also called for urgent reform in post-electoral justice delivery, to ensure that tribunal decisions are not only timely but also uphold the democratic mandate of the people—free from political interference or inducement. “We further emphasise that justice in electoral matters must be both swift and credible. The current constitutional timelines for pre-election and post-election petitions—though important—must be revisited to ensure that all election disputes are resolved before the swearing-in of declared winners. Nigeria must learn from regional peers like Kenya, where judicial processes prioritise electoral integrity and prompt adjudication.” It further stated.
IJAP said that: ‘‘In this defining moment, we call on all judicial stakeholders including the NJC, legal practitioners, civil society, and the general public—to collectively restore faith in Nigeria’s judiciary by demanding proactive reform, fostering ethical leadership, and holding all actors accountable.’’
Independent Accountability Judicial Panel (IJAP) consists of a team of renowned retired court of appeal judges, academia, legal practitioners and development experts with a track record of transparent leadership in judicial matters, to review Judicial pronouncements/actions and provide informed analysis that will enable Citizens to hold the Judiciary accountable.
IJAP Welcomes NJC Disciplinary Action, Demands Structural Reform in Electoral Justice
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Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno
Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno
By: Zagazola Makama
Grief and solemn reflection have trailed the tragic loss of a Commanding Officer and six gallant soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), whose lives were cut short shortly after successfully repelling a terrorist attack in Monguno, Borno.
In the late hours of April 12, troops of Sector 3, Joint Task Force (North East), came under an isolated infiltration attempt at Charlie 13 location. With courage and determination, the soldiers engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, eventually forcing them to flee and securing the area.
But even in victory, tragedy struck. Driven by an unyielding sense of duty and deep concern for his men, the Commanding Officer chose to move forward, towards the very danger others would avoid, to personally assess the situation on ground. It was a decision that reflected the very essence of true leadership: to lead from the front, to share in the risks, and to stand shoulder to shoulder with his troops.
In that moment of selfless courage, his vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killing him and six of his men. Their loss is not just a statistic, it is a profound human tragedy.
They were fathers, brothers, sons, and comrades. They were men who wore the nation’s uniform with pride, who stood in the face of danger so others could sleep in peace. They did not retreat when confronted with terror; instead, they stood firm, defended their ground, and ultimately gave everything.
The silence they leave behind echoes loudly across the ranks.
Operation HADIN KAI, in a statement by its Media Information Officer, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, expressed deep sorrow, describing the fallen officer as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to duty. Their ultimate sacrifice, the statement noted, will forever remain etched in the memory of the Armed Forces and the nation they served with honour.
As the country mourns these heroes, their bravery lives on not only in the victory they secured that night, but in the enduring reminder that freedom and security are often paid for with the highest price.
Nation mourns as brave Commanding Officer, six soldiers fall after repelling attack in Monguno
Troops rescue kidnap victim in kogi
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued a kidnap victim during a patrol operation in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi.
Zagazola report that the rescue was carried out at about 2:07 p.m. on April 10 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Egbe.
Sources said the troops, while on patrol within the general area of Aaru Cashew Plantation, located the victim who had been abandoned by his captors.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the victim was abducted on April 1 at Ejiba Community in the same local government area.
He further disclosed that the kidnappers fled and abandoned him upon sighting troops advancing towards the Dadi Kowa general area.
The victim was subsequently debriefed and safely reunited with his family.
Troops rescue kidnap victim in kogi
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt, rescue victims in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion have foiled an attempted motorcycle snatching and rescued two civilians along the Zaria–Kaduna highway in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 5:45 a.m. on April 10 near Old Berger Camp.
The sources disclosed that troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Birnin Yero responded swiftly to a distress call about an attack on two civilians riding a motorcycle towards Zaria.
“On arrival, the troops discovered that the victims had been forced to stop by a vehicle conveying suspected criminals, who were in the process of loading the motorcycle into their car trunk.
“However, the criminals abandoned the motorcycle and fled the scene upon sighting the troops,” the source said.
The injured victims were evacuated for medical attention, while the recovered motorcycle is in the custody of the troops.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Troops foil motorcycle snatching attempt, rescue victims in Kaduna
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