Kano Tribunal Chairman Backtracks On Senior Lawyers’ Bribery Attempt, Cites Allegations Of Money Transfer To Tribunal Staff And Judge’s Orderly

Justice Flora Azinge, the Chairperson of the Kano State National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has strongly denied an alleged attempt by senior lawyers to bribe her, as reported by politicsdigest newspaper.

The judge addressed this issue after Sunusi Musa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), brought it to her attention.

This development comes in the wake of an online report detailing purported attempts by senior lawyers to bribe Justice Azinge and some members of the tribunal staff. While she did not reveal the identity of the senior lawyer involved, she did mention that the SAN in question had a “pending case” before the tribunal.

Sunusi Musa, acting as counsel to a Member of the House of Representatives from Gwarzo/Kabo Federal Constituency, emphasized that he was concerned and affected as a Senior Lawyer given the implications of such allegations. He requested the judge to disclose the name of the senior lawyer to maintain transparency and protect the reputation of the involved parties.

Justice Azinge clarified her earlier statement, explaining that she had not specifically named any counsel. She clarified that an allegation had arisen regarding money being transferred to the account of a tribunal staff and an orderly of one of the judges by a lawyer.

The said staff member is currently under investigation in connection with this matter. She also mentioned an incident where a lawyer attempted to give her a gift during the Eidl Kabir celebration, which she declined and labeled unethical. She reaffirmed her commitment to integrity and justice, asserting that she would not tolerate corrupt practices.

This exchange highlights the dedication of the judiciary to uphold fairness and transparency in the legal process, regardless of the positions of those involved. As investigations proceed, the legal community will be keenly observing the outcome of this unfolding situation.

The ripple effects of these allegations have led to a cloud of suspicion that hangs over both judges and lawyers, creating an “inchoate” allegation that has tarnished the reputation of the legal community as a whole. The fervor for accountability has further pushed senior lawyers to call on Justice Azinge to name the SAN involved in the bribery attempt. They contend that naming and shaming the wrongdoer is essential to restore the lost glory of the legal profession and purge it of any lingering corruption.

In a collective show of responsibility, senior lawyers emphasize their duty to be the guiding light of the profession, calling on the Body of SANs to take action and not let the matter be “swept under the carpet.” This sentiment is grounded in the belief that those who bear the name of the Lord should stand against iniquities.

However, opinions diverge on the appropriate course of action. While some believe that the judge must immediately name the SAN and the case involved, others argue that caution should be exercised in order to avoid potential legal pitfalls. This has prompted a broader conversation about the ethical responsibilities of judges and legal practitioners alike.

The legal community’s resolve to address the issue at hand extends beyond the boundaries of the tribunal. Reference is made to a similar incident involving Justice Hadiza Ali, who in 2019, handed over her share of a $193,000 bribe to the State Security Service. This historical context reinforces the urgency of tackling the issue head-on, demanding action from both the legal fraternity and the relevant authorities.

As Nigeria’s legal community watches with bated breath, the demand for justice reverberates throughout the country’s legal landscape. The unfolding scandal serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent strength of collective action and the unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of the bar and bench.