Group hails ASUU's position on NJC Probe

A Non Government organisation in Nigeria, Society for Rule of Law in Nigeria (SRLN) has commended the Academic Staff Union of University

(ASUU) for its position on the National Judicial Council (NJC) Probe Panel set up to investigate allegations of unethical behaviours against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu, Appeal Court President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami and six other appeal court justices.

SRLN said in a release signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Chima Ubeku that the position expressed by ASUU in an advertorial published in some national dailies last Friday was a challenge to other professional bodies, rights activists and civil society groups in the country.

ASUU had said in a comment titled: "The moral crisis in the judiciary"

that all facts on the case must be disclosed to the public in line with the requirements of the new Freedom of Information Act (2011).

"The key legal institutions in the country are in a moral crisis of monumental proportions: allegations of rot and deep seated corruption are hanging against Principal Officers of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. However, rather than conduct a transparent and open investigation of the allegations in full view of the public, and thus use the opportunity to restore the faith of the people in the judicial system, the ruling class is arranging a private settlement. The objective, as has happened repeatedly in our experience, is to ensure that the truth of the allegations and counter allegations remains hidden with the consequence that the exsisting judicial system continues to serve, even more, the interests of the big men and women in the country. ASUU calls for full disclosure of all facts on the case in line with the requirements of the new Freedom of Information Act (2011)," ASUU had said.

Commending ASUU for toeing the path of honour and justice, SRLN said; "Unlike others, who are keeping silent ostensibly because the NJC Probe touches their interests, ASUU has taken this issue up,on a logical premise, emphasising need for transparency and openess.

"This is highly commendable and we salute our university dons for taking this bold and patriotic step.

"ASUU has done well and the masses of this country cannot wait to see those that have turned our courts to Oyingbo market where judgments are purchased by highest bidders flushed out of the judiciary. It is only when this is done that the integrity and the trust we have in the judiciary will be restored and redeemed.

"If the NJC fails to do this, the council would have successfully established the 'Judiciary Haram sect', result of which will be more devastating than the ones being witnessed from the Boko Haram sect."