The National Judicial Council (NJC) yesterday said it does not require President Goodluck Jonathan's authority to reinstate Justice Ayo Isa Salami as the President of the Court of Appeal, noting that it has the constitutional powers to recall him.
This was contained in a reply filed by NJC's counsel, Mr. Usman Isah, to a case instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, against Jonathan by eleven human rights activists challenging the continued suspension of Salami as PCA.
The NJC insisted through its lawyer that the power to recall suspended Salami solely and exclusively belonged to it without any recourse to the direction or authority of any other person outside the council including the President.
In an originating summons filed before the court, the group sought for the interpretation of the powers of the NJC vis-a-vis the powers of the President on the matter.
{loadposition user30}
They also faulted Jonathan's reappointment of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu, on a permanent acting capacity without the constitutional approval of the NJC.
The presiding judge, Justice Adamu Bello, adjourned further hearing in the matter till Friday, December 4.
Daily Trust