How Gov AbdulRazaq breached constitution in the composition of state Judicial Service Commission
Graphic details have emerged on how the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq violated the Nigeria’s 1999 constitution in the composition of the state Judicial Service Commision, THE INFORMANT247 reports.
The Governor had sent 4 nominees, namely; Chief Titus Olasupo Ashaolu, Lawal V. Jimoh, Dr. Saliu Ajibola Ajia and Hon. Aliyu Mande Umar, to the Kwara State House of Assembly for confirmation as members of the state commission.
However, the Assembly confirmed the appointment of the nominees on June 9 after screening.
Reacting to this, a media aide to the Governor, Fafoluyi Olayinka tweeted, “A former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Titus Olasupo Ashaolu (SAN) is to serve as the Chairman.”
Meanwhile, independent verification by THE INFORMANT247 revealed that the Chief Judge of the State should be the automatic chairman of the commission.
THE COMMISION
The Kwara State Judicial Service Commission established under section 197 (1) (c) of the 1999 Constitution is the executive body that handles matters relating to appointment, discipline and promotion of Kwara State’s judicial officers and their support staffs. It is chaired by the Chief Judge of the High Court.
COMPOSITION
All members are appointed by the governor of Kwara State, with confirmation by the Kwara State House of Assembly. The Judicial Service Commission is made up of:
1. The Chief Judge, as the Chairman;
2. The Attorney General
3. The President of the Customary Court of Appeal
4. The Grand Khadi of Sharia Court of Appeal, if any in the state
5. Two legal practitioners
6. Two more persons, who in the Governor’s opinion are of unquestionable integrity.
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Part II, third schedule of the 1999 Constitution empowers the Judicial Service Commission to advise and make recommendations to the National Judicial Council (NJC) on appointment, discipline and removal of judicial officers and their assisting staffs.
LAWYER’S REACTION
Speaking on this when contacted by THE INFORMANT247, An Abuja-based Ilorin-born legal practitioner, Barr Sulyman Ibrahim Senior said, “The appointment seems to run foul of the constitution. However, the state government can still take appropriate steps to redress it.”
