NJC Issues Order of Seniority, Recommends Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar As Substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State

The National Judicial Council (NJC) of Nigeria has issued an order of seniority for judges of the High Court of Kebbi State and recommended Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar as the substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State.

This announcement was made in a letter dated July 14, 2023, from the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON.

The letter, bearing reference number NJC/S.20/HC. KB/11/1/238, outlines several key points regarding the order of seniority and the appointment of the Chief Judge:

1. According to the NJC’s conclusions, under section 10 of the existing High Court Law of Kebbi State, 1996, the Governor of the state holds the authority to determine the seniority of judges. The NJC clarifies that it does not possess the power to override or reverse decisions made by the Governor in this regard.

2. Despite the fact that the appointments of Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar and Justice Abbas Ahmad were made on the same date in 2007, with Justice Abbas Ahmad being called to the bar in 1984 and Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar in 1991, the NJC has accorded Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar seniority based on the Kebbi State Law and other considerations.

3. The Kebbi State Official Gazette provided by Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar demonstrates that he was granted seniority by the Governor in accordance with section 10 of the High Court Law of Kebbi State, 1996.

4. The letter further states that henceforth, in situations where two or more Judicial Officers are appointed in Kebbi State, the order of seniority will be determined by the Governor, regardless of who was called to the bar first.

5. The NJC clarifies that the position of a Head of Court or Chief Judge is a political appointment, and the decision lies with the Governor of the state.

6. Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar has been recommended by the NJC to be the substantive Chief Judge of Kebbi State. He is advised to promptly forward a request to the Governor for his confirmation as the Chief Judge.

The NJC has granted a waiver for the interview process due to Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar’s extended period of acting capacity, with the aim of avoiding any disputes in the appointment process.

The letter concludes with hearty congratulations extended to Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar on this significant milestone in his judicial career.

This development underscores the NJC’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the smooth functioning of the judiciary in Nigeria.