In light of the grave accusations of forgery that have tainted Justice Umar Abubakar and the expiration of his tenure as acting chief judge of Kebbi, a human rights group has urged the National Judicial Council to expeditiously appoint a new head for the state’s judiciary. 

The Human Rights and Social Justice Organisation has informed the NJC, led by Chief Justice Kayode Ariwoola, that Mr Abubakar will no longer be treated with the dignity that comes with holding the position of chief judge, as his acting tenure has ended on September 25, thereby rendering him unqualified to assign cases to judges or perform the duties of a chief jurist.

“We deem it necessary to make this request in order to avoid embarrassment in the administration of justice in Kebbi State, taking into consideration the importance of the office of chief judge, which is now vacant in the eyes of the law as cases to be prosecuted before the High Court can no longer be assigned by Justice Umar Abubakar and cannot parade himself as the Acting Chief Judge as his mandate has expired,” the group wrote in a letter to Mr Ariwoola on October 30.

The group reminded the CJN that the public was eagerly anticipating the outcome of the investigation carried out on Mr Abubakar over forgery allegations. 

Additionally, the human rights organisation said that since the position could not remain empty while investigations were underway, the NJC should recommend to Governor Nasir Idris a judicial officer who is qualified and competent to oversee the affairs of the state judiciary, be appointed as chief judge.

“We humbly request your good office for urgent intervention to recommend to the governor for appointment of new Acting Chief Judge considering the pendency of the petition against the person Hon Justice Umar Abubakar and then Acting Chief Judge, which is still under investigation and awaiting outcome from the NJC,” the letter signed by the human rights group chair, Saeed Bin Usman, pleaded. “This will go a long way in restoring public confidence in the NJC as the entire public is craving to hear the decision of the council on the fake documents that went viral in July this year, which the council has disclaimed.”

Kebbi state governor, Speaker of the House of Assembly, justice commissioner and all members of the judicial council were among those copied in the letter shared with Peoples Gazette.

The NJC did not immediately return a request for comments on the matter. A spokesman for Mr Abubakar also declined comments on Thursday afternoon, although the top judge himself has denied forgery and other allegations of wrongdoing.