Falana, Group Condemn Refusal To Swear In Judge

Rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) has condemned the refusal by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloma Muktar, to swear in a newly appointed Justice of the Court of Appeal, Mrs. Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo.
Falana, who called on the CJN to save Justice Jombo-Ofo from embarrassment, said since her appointment has not been validly set aside by President Goodluck Jonathan, the CJN’s action cannot be justified by law.
The lawyer also faulted the petition challenging her appointment on the grounds that she is not from Abia State.
He said the petition violated Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibited discrimination arising from circumstances of birth or sex.
He said: ‘’Since her appointment has not been validly set aside, she should not have been subjected to any embarrassment on the basis of a petition that challenged her appointment on the grounds that she is not from Abia State.”
Similarly, a group, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), described the action as arbitrary, unfair and inconsistent.
LEDAP said a number of female justices have been appointed, promoted or elevated on slots from their states of marriage rather than state of birth.
A statement by the group’s spokesperson, Chino Obiagwu, said the refusal to swear in Justice Jombo-Ofo negated the principles of fairness.
It called on the NJC to review such practices in the Judiciary to ensure that policies and practices are consistent and conform to standards of values of the society.