Abayomi Iyunadeoluwa
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dropped 34 lawyers from the race to become judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria (FHC) after they failed an integrity test. The lawyers were among 62 applicants nominated for the position, but petitions against them led to their disqualification.
The integrity test was introduced by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to ensure that only individuals of good character are appointed as judicial officers. The test involved public feedback on the nominees, with their names published to invite comments on their integrity, reputation, and suitability for the role.
According to sources, 62 applicants passed a Computer-Based Test (CBT) examination, and their names were forwarded to the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). However, after the integrity test, only 28 nominees received a clean bill of health and will face an interview panel of the NJC next month.
One of the nominees, a female lawyer, was found to have demanded and received a ₦1 million bribe in the course of a court matter. The Police Service Commission (PSC) investigated and confirmed the allegations, leading to her disqualification.
The NJC has forwarded the names of the 28 successful nominees to proceed to the next stage of the appointment process. The move is seen as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
The FJSC applied the integrity test policy endorsed by the CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to eliminate persons of doubtful character from being appointed as judicial officers. The development underscores the commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
