The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the retiring Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stating that his tenure as CJN was marked by nepotism, corruption, and a blatant disregard for the principles of fairness and justice.
According to HURIWA, Justice Ariwoola’s leadership was one of the most disappointing in the history of Nigeria’s judiciary, leaving the institution in disarray and significantly tarnishing its credibility.
The association highlighted several instances of nepotism, including the appointment of Justice Ariwoola’s brother, Adebayo Lateef Ariwoola, as the head of the audit department at the National Judicial Council (NJC), and the appointment of his son, Olukayode Ariwoola Jr., as a Judge of the Federal High Court.
HURIWA argued that these actions present a clear conflict of interest and raise serious questions about the integrity of the NJC’s financial operations.
The association also condemned Justice Ariwoola’s involvement in securing judicial appointments for his family members and allies, stating that this has set a dangerous precedent and encouraged similar behavior among other judicial leaders.
The implications of these actions, according to HURIWA, are dire for the Nigerian judiciary, with corruption polluting the judicial appointment process and making it nearly impossible to become a Federal High Court judge without connections to powerful individuals.
HURIWA’s statement emphasized the need for a thorough overhaul of the judicial appointment process to restore the integrity and credibility of the Nigerian judiciary.
