Despite protests by women groups and rights activists, Gombe state governor, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya has defiantly sworn in Hon. Justice Mu’azu Abdulkadir Pindiga as acting Chief Judge of the state.
The deed drew wide spread outrage as various placard bearing groups stormed the streets of Gombe in protest.
Hon. Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya, the most senior judge in the state, yesterday completed her statutory three months period as Acting Chief Judge. Instead of being confirmed as the substantive Chief Judge (CJ) of the State, the governor went against convention and swore in a junior judge who is male.
Governor Yahaya claims the appointment was based on the fact that Pindiga was the most senior judge in the state, describing him as reputable judge who deserved to occupy the exalted seat.
Earlier, Rhoda Tyoden, National President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA and Eliana Martins, National Publicity Secretary in a press statement described the governor’s action as a violation of women’s rights.
In March 2018, the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the compulsory retirement of Justice Obisike Oji of Abia State High Court who was appointed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to serve as Acting Chief Judge when the state House of Assembly suspended Justice Theresa Uzokwe.
Justice Obisike Oji was queried by the Council for allowing himself to be sworn-in as acting Chief Judge, thereby colluding in, and aiding an unconstitutional process.
Likewise, in June this year, governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state sacked the acting chief judge of the state, Elizabeth Asabe Karatu instead of confirming her as CJ. He replaced her with a junior male judge, Justice Muhtar Imam Jega.
Karatu had written a petition to the NJC alleging that she was denied her rights to confirmation because she is a Christian.
FIDA suspecting that Yahaya had hatched a sinister plot quickly condemned the delay and non-confirmation of Justice Iliya as CJ but the governor had refused to be swayed.
The organisation described the action as unjust, particularly in this period when the whole world is raising awareness against Gender-Based Violence and Violence against Women.
Part of the statement reads:
“Hon. Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya, a noble lady is not due for retirement for another three years minimum period; and has served diligently.
“We therefore strongly object to the planned swearing in of a junior male judge as Chief Judge in her place for whatever reason.
“FIDA Nigeria views the act of swearing in a male judge who is junior to other female judges as the substantive Chief Judge as act of gender discrimination!!
“This is more painful as the UN 16 days activism against Gender Based Violence and Human Rights Violations is on-going.
“We therefore call on His Excellency, the Governor of Gombe State to do the right thing in compliance with the Law by swearing in the most senior Judge who has been effectively acting. This is the only action that can prove that His Excellency is not gender biased and upholds justice.
“FIDA Nigeria stands against all forms of discrimination and injustice.”
Hon. Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya’s travails first came to light sometime in August this year when it appeared she would be sidestepped as the former CJ’s retirement became imminent.
Nigerian women rose in unison and criticised the attempt.
The then CJ was to retire in about three weeks. Beatrice Iliya was the most senior but some controversy arose to the effect that she is from the same senatorial zone (Gombe South) with the retiring CJ.
