Human rights lawyer, Chief Malcolm Omirhobo has threatened to take legal action against the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola if he fails to justify the elevation of his brother, Adebayo Ariwoola to the position of the auditor of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
He asked the CJN to produce the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the instruments, notices and criteria for the promotion of staff to the position of Auditor in the NJC, the details of Adebayo’s employment, promotions and duration of service at the NJC.
Recall that the CJN recently appointed his younger brother, Adebayo, as the new auditor for the NJC.
The appointment places the younger Ariwoola in a key position overseeing the internal audit unit of the NJC, a role with substantial authority to ensure financial integrity and responsibility within the commission.
He is now responsible for evaluating the commission’s internal controls, scrutinising accounting processes, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
In pursuant to the relevant provision of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, Omirhobo in a letter to the CJN, demanded for all documents/qualification presented by Mr. Adebayo to the NJC to aid his promotion or appointment as Auditor.
The lawyer also wants to receive the list of all staff that participated in the screening for the position of Auditor of the NJC with Mr. Adebayo and all documents submitted by them and the basis/result upon which Mr. Adebayo was preferred to other applicants (if any) by the NJC.
“In the event of any delay or refusal to offer the requested information within seven-days from the date of receipt of this request, I shall be compelled to take lawful and necessary steps against your management in accordance with Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“I undertake to pay the requisite assessed fee in line with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
“In anticipation of your kind and positive response to this request, please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards,” he said.
