Senate To Probe Former CJN Corruption Allegation Despite Resignation

This is as they has wished Justice Tanko well, following many years of meritorious service to the nation and praying for his good health.

The justices of the apex court had earlier petitioned the CJN of corruption, maladministration and incompetence.

Consequently, the Senate had mandated its committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to investment the matter with the aim of resolving the issue.

But, on Sunday the Chief Justice of Nigeria tendered his resignation and hinged it on health grounds.

At the resumption of the plenary session on Tuesday, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele came under orders 41 and 51 recalling how the attention of the Senate was drawn to the media report on the state of affairs in the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Speaking on the motion, Senator Bamidele told the Senate that most issues raised by the justices of the Supreme Court and other stakeholders within the Judiciary, need to be addressed urgently to prevent an eventual shut down of the Judiciary.

Supporting the motion, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said that there is no reason for the Judicial arm of government to lack anything financially adding that this should not be allowed to continue.

Also speaking in support of the motion, the Senate minority whip, Senator Chukwuka Utazi said that the senate need to get to the root of the matter in order to find a lasting solution to the issue.

After exhaustive debate, Senate therefore accordingly resolves to: mandate the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to go ahead with its assignment in the quest to find a lasting solution to the matter by interacting with relevant stakeholders to address the complaints raised in the petition by the Justices of the Supreme Court.

The Senate also mandated the Committee to reach out to relevant stakeholders in the three arms of Government as well as the Bar and on the Bench so as to garner information which would be vital to decisively address the crisis facing the Judiciary, including the immediate fiscal intervention as well as long term and sustainable budgetary allocations, required for the optimal performance of the Judiciary, in line with global best practices.