By Bello Gideon (SIWES student, AAPOLY)
Justice Musa Datijo’s remarks spark demands for a Supreme Court overhaul. Former Supreme Court Justice Datijo recently highlighted concerns about the extensive powers held by the Chief Justice of Nigeria.
In response, the House of Representatives expressed its intention to investigate these claims and propose reforms for the judiciary.
Datijo pointed out that the CJN oversees various legal institutions, such as the National Judicial Commission, Federal Judicial Service Commission, National Judicial Institute, and Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, raising concerns about excessive power concentration.
He suggested a shift in this model to prevent potential abuse of power. Lawmakers in the House of Representatives, like Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, are taking the issue seriously and considering it in ongoing constitutional amendment efforts.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, including Mike Ozekhome and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, echoed the need for constitutional amendments and a reevaluation of the CJN’s extensive powers, with a call for the appointment of more Supreme Court justices to improve the justice system.
