The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed strong criticism of the outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stating that his tenure offered little for ordinary Nigerians to celebrate.
Justice Ariwoola retired upon reaching the mandatory retirement age, and his time as Chief Justice has been marked by significant controversy.
HURIWA described his tenure as one of the most disappointing in Nigeria’s judicial history, pointing to issues such as nepotism, alleged corruption, and a disregard for justice and fairness.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA accused Justice Ariwoola of leaving the judiciary in a state of disarray, damaging its credibility in the process.
The association specifically criticized the appointment of Ariwoola’s brother, Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, as head of the audit department at the National Judicial Council (NJC), a position that reports directly to the Chief Justice, who also serves as NJC Chairman.
HURIWA argued that this appointment presents a conflict of interest and raises concerns about the integrity of the NJC’s financial operations.
HURIWA also condemned the appointment of Justice Ariwoola’s son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., as a Judge of the Federal High Court, describing it as an example of the nepotism that has become entrenched under Ariwoola’s leadership.
The association warned that Justice Ariwoola’s actions set a dangerous precedent, encouraging similar behavior among other judicial leaders. As an example, they pointed to the Chief Judge of Abuja, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, who recently appointed his daughter, Maryam Baba-Yusuf, as a judge of the Abuja High Court.
HURIWA also alleged that the appointment process included the daughters of influential politicians, former governors, and ministers.
HURIWA concluded by highlighting the broader implications of these actions for the Nigerian judiciary, noting that a federal court judge recently remarked that it has become nearly impossible to secure a position as a Federal High Court judge without connections to powerful individuals, further illustrating the extent of corruption within the judicial appointment process.
