Nepotism: Families of CJN Ariwoola, Wike, others in Federal High Court Judge Selection

Chidi Odinkalu, a Professor of Practice in International Human Rights Law at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, has accused the Nigerian judiciary of nepotism. He made the allegation in a post on X.

The allegations stemmed from the publication of a list by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) detailing potential candidates for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The NBA’s publication, which solicited stakeholders’ comments, revealed startling familial connections among the listed candidates.

Notably, individuals related to prominent figures such as Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister, and Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, were included.

Among the candidates, relatives of chief justices or former governors were identified, including Hauwa Lawal Gummi, Buetnaan Mandy Bassi, Maryam Iye Yusuf, Ariwoola Oluwakemi Victoria, Lesley Nkesi Belema Wike, and Munirat Ibrahim Tanko.

Odinkalu expressed dismay at the timing of the publication, highlighting the short notice provided for comments, particularly during Ramadan and Lent.

He underscored the perceived flaws in the selection process, pointing out instances where familial ties seemed to influence judicial appointments.

Drawing attention to specific cases, Odinkalu mentioned appointments made by Simon Lalong and Nyesom Wike during their time as governors, in which family connections played a role.

“For instance, Governor Bako Lalong appointed No. 7, Buetnaan, the daughter of the president of the Court of Appeal, a judge of the High Court of Plateau State in 2021. I presume this is a transfer, but if it is, why is it being reported as a new appointment?

“Governor Nyesom Wike appointed No. 11, his in-law, a Senior Magistrate in Rivers State last year. I guess the Chief Justice of the FCT High Court is fulfilling his own side of the bargains he reached when he visited Wike last year…? he noted.

Additionally, he highlighted instances of relatives of high-ranking judicial officials being included in the list, further fueling concerns over nepotism.

One particularly striking example cited by Odinkalu involved the appointment of the husband of a listed candidate to the Court of Appeal, where he sits alongside his mother-in-law.

Odinkalu argued that such instances raise serious questions about the integrity of the judiciary and the principles of meritocracy in judicial appointments.

Odinkalu condemned what he described as the “perversion of high judicial office” and questioned the motives behind turning judicial positions into familial legacies.

He urged a reevaluation of the selection process to ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy in appointments to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary.

The allegations of nepotism have sparked widespread concern among legal experts and the public, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the selection process and the adoption of measures to safeguard the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Nigeria.

Recall that West Africa Weekly had earlier reported allegations of nepotism against the Chief Judge of Nigeria, Justice Ariwoola. The allegation revealed a pattern of favouritism within the judiciary, where influential families seemingly dictate the appointment of judges.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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