How lobbying, favouritism killing judiciary, by ex-CJN

* Gowon, Danjuma, others hail Supreme Court’s
Justice Ogunbiyi

First female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma
Mukhtar has warned that the legitimacy and independence of the
nation’s judiciary was being threatened by the growing culture of
lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism.

Justice Mukhtar called for immediate end to the harmful practice
where competence becomes a secondary consideration for appointment
and elevation in the judiciary.

The retired CJN spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the launch of the
biography of Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, who retired on February
27, this year, as Justice of the Supreme Court. The book is titled:
“Honey from the rock”.

Justice Mukhtar, former military leader General Yakubu Gowon,
ex-Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma and other speakers
at the event eulogised Justice Ogunbiyi.

They were unanimous in describing her as an incorruptible judge,
a virtuous and humble woman and an advocate of the rights of women
and girl-child.

Referring to Justice Ogunbiyi, the ex-CJN, who served as the
event’s co-Chair, noted: “A virtue that precedes our celebrant is
humility, which I always admire in people, particularly women.
There is no gainsaying that Clara is an epitome of humility.

“She gives respect to whom it is due, and even to those who do
not deserve it despite the height she has reached in her career.
She understands that it does not diminish what she stands for.
Today I celebrate my dear sister, who has done not only Borno State
and the North East Zone of Nigeria proud, but the whole country
called Nigeria,” Justice Mukhtar said.

Gowon, who co-Chaired the event with Justice Mukhtar, said he
was delighted to be part of the event to honour a woman who devoted
herself to the service of her fatherland. He noted that she was not
only a distinguished jurist, but a devout Christian.

Danjuma, who was represented by former Attorney General of the
Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a
courageous jurist, who is committed to the truth and justice. He
noted that the country needs more of her in this trying time.

Justice Ogunbiyi, who prayed God to equally honour all those who
turned up for the event, said: “You have all made me to feel to be
somebody. For a girl from the village, from nowhere; to be so
honoured by you all, I am really, really grateful.”

She hailed her parents for her attainment in life and urged
parents to support their female children and accord them equal
opportunity as the male.

* Gowon, Danjuma, others hail Supreme Court’s
Justice Ogunbiyi

First female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma
Mukhtar has warned that the legitimacy and independence of the
nation’s judiciary was being threatened by the growing culture of
lobbying, favouritism and godfatherism.

Justice Mukhtar called for immediate end to the harmful practice
where competence becomes a secondary consideration for appointment
and elevation in the judiciary.

The retired CJN spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the launch of the
biography of Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, who retired on February
27, this year, as Justice of the Supreme Court. The book is titled:
“Honey from the rock”.

Justice Mukhtar, former military leader General Yakubu Gowon,
ex-Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma and other speakers
at the event eulogised Justice Ogunbiyi.

They were unanimous in describing her as an incorruptible judge,
a virtuous and humble woman and an advocate of the rights of women
and girl-child.

Referring to Justice Ogunbiyi, the ex-CJN, who served as the
event’s co-Chair, noted: “A virtue that precedes our celebrant is
humility, which I always admire in people, particularly women.
There is no gainsaying that Clara is an epitome of humility.

“She gives respect to whom it is due, and even to those who do
not deserve it despite the height she has reached in her career.
She understands that it does not diminish what she stands for.
Today I celebrate my dear sister, who has done not only Borno State
and the North East Zone of Nigeria proud, but the whole country
called Nigeria,” Justice Mukhtar said.

Gowon, who co-Chaired the event with Justice Mukhtar, said he
was delighted to be part of the event to honour a woman who devoted
herself to the service of her fatherland. He noted that she was not
only a distinguished jurist, but a devout Christian.

Danjuma, who was represented by former Attorney General of the
Federation (AGF) Kanu Agabi (SAN), described the celebrant as a
courageous jurist, who is committed to the truth and justice. He
noted that the country needs more of her in this trying time.

Justice Ogunbiyi, who prayed God to equally honour all those who
turned up for the event, said: “You have all made me to feel to be
somebody. For a girl from the village, from nowhere; to be so
honoured by you all, I am really, really grateful.”

She hailed her parents for her attainment in life and urged
parents to support their female children and accord them equal
opportunity as the male.