Sesugh Akume petitions Chief Justice on marginalisation in judicial appointment

Earlier today, I submitted a written petition/appeal to the honourable chief justice of Nigeria to use his good offices to correct the injustice and imbalance in the appointment of judges of the High Court of Plateau.

The National Judicial Council (NJC)in a release dated 16 March, as reported in The Nigerian Lawyer on Friday 17 March, announced the recommendation of its interview committee to appoint five (5) judges of the High Court in Plateau, as follows:

i.          Charles Donlong

ii.         Ashashabu Suleiman Wase

iii.        Shikamma Kassam Shittu

iv.        Mary Abah Izam

v.         Nanle Titus Komak

It was observed that of the five persons only the fourth on the list, Mary Abah Izam, is female, indicating twenty percent (20%) female representation.

It would be recalled, however, that the National Gender Policy (NGP) 2006, mandates public institutions in Nigeria to reserve thirty five percent (35%) of all positions exclusively for women. This is not strange as the world is moving more towards equality (before the law, and of opportunities and privileges) across genders, and away from discrimination on the basis of gender.

I, therefore, respectfully brought to his lordship’s attention that the NJC’s interview committee’s recommendation not being in consonance with the letter and spirit of this national policy, presents the perception of the continued discrimination against women in judicial appointments up to this day and age.

Also that, especially, the NJC, the apex and regulatory body which is of the judiciary to be seen as going against a national policy which seeks to create balance, and a fairer society, but rather be seen as increasing inequality and/or being indifferent to discrimination against women should not be encouraged.

I, therefore, urged his lordship, as chairman of the NJC, to use your good offices to correct this historic injustice and set the pace for the judiciary in Nigeria to reflect more gender balance, now and always, beginning with this latest recommendation for appointment in the Plateau state judiciary.

I expressed the hope and optimism, looking forward to a positive outcome following this complaint.

Sesugh Akume

31 March 2022

Abuja