• Firm petitions NJC over Gummi, Yahaya
WITH a tacitly acquiescing with the maxim that justice delayed is justice denied, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam Aloma Mukthar, Thursday charged judges in the country on quick and thorough dispensation of justice, as well as punctuality in attending court.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ibrahim Bukar, in Abuja Thursday, the CJN urged him to be diligent in the exercise of his functions. She also asked him to ensure that cases were speedily heard and determined, just as she expects the new chief judge to start sitting by 9.00 a.m.
"I admonish you to always endeavour to sit from time to time in addition to your administrative duties, as required by your office. Ensure that your brother judges do not keep litigants waiting. Absenteeism will not be tolerated," Mukthar said.
The office of the FCT Chief Judge became vacant due to the sudden resignation of Justice Lawal Hassan Gummi, who was turbaned the Emir of Gummi, Zamfara State. As a result, Justice Bukar was elevated in acting capacity by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Meanwhile, Nestello Gateways Group has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging that Gummi and the Chief Registrar of FCT High Court, Toyin Yahaya, abused their offices by handing over the company's property to the Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, after an Abuja High Court had ruled against the governor.
The group is asking the NJC to order a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to bringing to book anybody found wanting. It also demanded that the former chief judge be ordered to put them back into possession of the house situated at No.1, Fatai Williams Street, Asokoro, Abuja.
They also wanted the NJC to compel Gummi and Yahaya to enforce the payment of the outstanding manse profit of N333,333.00 per month for the premises from November 1, 2009 until it is vacated, and that Justice Gummi, who gave the instruction to return the property to Governor Yari should restore the property to its original state.
At the resumed hearing on the petition yesterday, Gummi's lawyer, Israel Olorundare (SAN), raised a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the NJC to probe his client on the grounds that he had since resigned his office as a judicial officer since May 13, 2013.
He further stated that there were series of litigation still pending before the Abuja High Court and Federal High Court in respect of the matter, adding that the NJC does not share concurrent jurisdiction with a high court.
However, the NJC panel has over-ruled Gummi's preliminary objection and adjourned till today to continue hearing. The panel classified itself as a fact-finding body set up before Gummi notified of his resignation on May 13, which was received on May 14, adding that "the act was allegedly committed before May 13, 2013."
Nevertheless, the NJC panel referred the case of Yahaya to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), having not yet been made a judge over the role she played in allegedly obstructing the execution of the orders of an Abuja High Court.
Justice Jude Okeke had, in a considered judgment, ordered the company to take possession of the property in question, but the order was allegedly varied by the Yahaya on Gummi's instruction, an allegation that both of them have denied.
The Guardian