Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the committee’s composition was based on preferential treatment of insider candidates. The committee will be interviewing candidates for judicial positions.
Public concern and political debate have intensified over the composition of a key judicial interview panel, with critics alleging systemic insider dealing and appointments favouring connected candidates.
Judicial sources told SaharaReporters that the committee’s composition was based on preferential treatment of insider candidates. The committee will be interviewing candidates for judicial positions.
According to the sources, the Committee’s composition includes Justice Inyang Okoro as Chairman of the interview panel.
The sources alleged that a foster child and research assistant of Justice Okoro is the preferred candidate from Akwa Ibom State, a claim that has raised questions about fairness and impartiality.
Justice Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili and Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour are listed as members of the Committee.
Both justices are long-serving jurists with extensive experience on Nigeria’s Supreme Court bench.
Amiru Sanusi, a retired Supreme Court justice originally expected to sit on the panel, is said to be unable to attend.
The sources claimed he will be replaced by Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, whose daughter is described as the “insider candidate” from Kaduna State, another assertion fuelling concerns over nepotism.
Justice Adeola Moshood, retired from the Court of Appeal, is named in lieu of Sidi Bage, the Emir of Lafia, who reportedly cannot serve due to scheduling conflicts.
The panel will also feature Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), alongside his predecessor, Yakubu Maikyau.
Their inclusion has been noted as adding institutional weight to the interview process.
The allegations have sparked a mix of commentary including skepticism about the integrity of the panel to demands for transparency in candidate selection.
Critics argue that the “preoccupation with insider-dealing” undermines public confidence in the process, a sentiment echoed by legal practitioners and civic activists.
Legal observers note that panels of this nature, typically constituted of senior judicial figures, are expected to uphold strict standards of impartiality.
Reacting to the constitution of the committee, human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, in a post on X said, “This week, a high-powered committee of @njcNig (National Judicial Council) in Abuja will be interviewing candidates for judicial positions, including in @FederalHigh.
“The committee's composition has been adjusted. It will be chaired by a v senior serving Justice of @SupremeCourtNg. 2 retired 2i/Cs in the #SupremeCourt - 1 male & 1 female - will be part of the Committee.
“Another former Justice of the Supreme Court has dropped out & will be replaced by one of his colleagues from NW #Nigeria also retired. The problem is that the new addition to the panel is the father of a daughter who herself is going to be interviewed by the panel in which her Dad is now a member.
“Apparently, our judges in #Nigeria do not play by the rules of #ConflictOfInterest!”
Historically, similar panels have drawn attention for their composition, though specific appointment controversies have not always been publicly documented.