Sack AGF Now! Mohammed Adoke, SAN
I was amused when I listened to Elder Edwin Clark on News track, Channel TV 10 pm on 8th June, 2014. The Supreme Council of Justice and Integrity endorsed the recommendation to President for immediate sack on grounds of non enforcement of EFCC and ICPC Act in combating corruption in Nigeria.
The corruption in judiciary especially is traceable to the office of Attorney General of Federation. The down trend of budgetary allocation to Judiciary for the past 3 years which necessitated the Amazon of the Judiciary, Hon. Justice Alooma Murkhtar, GCON, first female Chief Justice of Nigeria complained bitterly to this ugly trend in several fora.
The non implementation of the clear constitutional provisions of effecting transfers directing to National Judicial Council for onward distribution to heads of courts as contemplated by explicit provisions of section 81 (3)(c) 1999 Constitution (as amended). It reads thus:
"The amount standing to the credit of the (C) Judiciary, in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation SHALL be paid directly to the said bodies respectively; in case of the JUDICIARY, such amount SHALL be paid to National Judicial Council for disbursement to HEADS of COURTS established under section 6 of this Constitution." (Capitalized words are mine).
It is pathetic that this excellent provisions that was designed to ensure and enhance the Independence of Judiciary is being persistently abused by Minister of Finance with connivance of AGF to ensure 'subservient' Judiciary.
It is worrisome that apex court cannot effect payment of capital projects such as books even of less than three hundred thousand Naira (N300, 000:00 for more than a year because of piece meal release of 'Capital Vote'. The writer, as Grand Commander, Supreme Council of Justice & Integrity is abreast of financial constraints aforesaid.
It is humbly submitted that if AGF cannot ensure compliance of section 81(3)(c) 1999 Constitution (as amended) there is no way the country can move forward in the midst of institutional and infrastructural challenges that require timely financing.
The Supreme Council of Justice & Integrity hereby urge President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR to immediately SACK, Hon. Attorney General of Federation, Mohammed Adoke, SAN!!!!
Barr Joshua Esim Alobo, LP, LLM, Notary Public, Grand Commander, Supreme Council of Justice & Integrity!