The Independent Judicial Accountability Panel (IJAP) has applauded the National Judicial Council (NJC) for sanctioning three judges and annulling the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge in Imo State, while urging the Council to adopt deeper structural reforms that strengthen integrity within Nigeria’s judiciary.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Hon. Justice Mojeed Adekunle Owoade JCA (rtd.), IJAP described the NJC’s actions as a response to public demand for transparency and accountability, but stressed that disciplinary measures must not remain reactive. “We reiterate the urgent need for the NJC to adopt a proactive framework that rewards consistently ethical judicial officers while disqualifying those who breach public trust,” the statement read.
The panel’s recommendations, contained in its Technical Working Group’s policy submission, proposed the implementation of a “Punishment and Reward” system. Under this system, judges who demonstrate integrity and professionalism would be elevated, while those who undermine due process—including misuse of ex parte orders—would face sanctions and be barred from sensitive roles such as election tribunals or appointments to higher courts.
IJAP also commended the NJC’s recent move to publish the names of judicial candidates for public scrutiny, calling it a step towards enhancing transparency and public confidence in judicial appointments.
Additional reforms proposed by IJAP include:
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Public disclosure of disciplinary reports to deter misconduct;
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Enhanced judicial oversight through performance data collection and training in global best practices;
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Passage of a Whistleblower Protection Bill for reporting judicial misconduct without fear of retaliation.
Crucially, the panel emphasized the need for urgent reform in electoral justice delivery. It advocated for resolving all election disputes before the swearing-in of declared winners, citing Kenya as a regional model for prioritizing electoral integrity through prompt adjudication.
“At this defining moment, we call on all judicial stakeholders—including the NJC, legal practitioners, civil society, and the public—to restore faith in Nigeria’s judiciary through proactive reform, ethical leadership, and accountability,” IJAP concluded.
Comprising retired appellate judges, legal scholars, practitioners, and governance experts, IJAP works to promote transparency and accountability in judicial affairs.
