Emirship Tussle: CJN Summons Chief Judges Over Conflicting Court Orders; NBA Demands InvestigationConcerned by the conflicting court orders regarding the ongoing emirship dispute in Kano, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has summoned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and the Chief Judge of Kano State High Court, Justice Dije Aboki, for an emergency meeting. The CJN has directed both judges to appear in his chambers at the Supreme Court complex today.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This action comes amidst mounting criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which has described the judiciary’s handling of the emirship tussle as embarrassing. The NBA has called for an immediate investigation into the conduct of the judges and lawyers involved.

In a statement issued by the Director of Information at the National Judicial Council (NJC), Mr. Soji Oye, it was revealed that the CJN’s meeting is a precursor to a full-scale investigation by the NJC. The CJN seeks a comprehensive briefing on the “very disturbing development” from the two chief judges.

“There is a strong indication that the NJC will hold an emergency meeting next week, where the subject judges are likely to be invited and subjected to serious investigations,” the statement noted.

NBA Decries Conduct

The NBA, through its President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, expressed deep disapproval of the behavior of both the counsel and the courts involved in the conflicting rulings. Maikyau stated: “I have keenly followed the recent events concerning the stool of the Emir of Kano. The conduct of the counsel and the courts in handling the proceedings, which resulted in conflicting orders from the Federal High Court, the Kano State High Court, and again the Federal High Court, has brought disgrace and shame to the profession.”

He further added, “This has exposed the entire legal profession in Nigeria to public ridicule and opprobrium. The damage caused is significant and will take a long time for the legal profession to recover from. It is unfortunate and was totally uncalled for.”

Government and Police Responses

In response to the unrest, the Governor of Kano State has banned public demonstrations and ordered the arrest of any violators. The police have stated unequivocally that they will not tolerate any breaches of this directive. Additionally, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on religious leaders to refrain from making inflammatory statements that could further escalate tensions.

The unfolding events have cast a spotlight on the judiciary and the legal profession in Nigeria, prompting urgent calls for accountability and reform. The emergency meeting called by the CJN and the NBA’s demand for a probe underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to restore public confidence in the legal system.