The National Judicial Council (NJC) has officially commenced a probe into several judges of federal and state high courts following conflicting rulings concerning political cases in Rivers State.
The investigation is in response to growing concerns over judicial inconsistencies in politically sensitive disputes in the state.
A special panel, chaired by a former justice of the Court of Appeal and two heads of courts, has been tasked with overseeing the inquiry.
The probe is being conducted under the supervision of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who has mandated a swift conclusion to the investigation.
Justice Kekere-Ekun met with the panel on Monday and directed that a report on the matter be submitted within the week.
The investigation centers on judges who presided over cases involving the ongoing political tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political ally, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The dispute has led to multiple court cases and conflicting rulings, prompting the NJC to take action.
In addition to the probe, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has been summoned by the Chief Justice for questioning on Tuesday regarding the rulings.
This investigation was initiated by the Chief Justice suo moto, in response to formal complaints and significant public concern regarding the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary in these political cases.
The NJC’s goal is to address these conflicts and ensure that the judiciary maintains its credibility in handling politically charged matters.
