… condemns plot to swear in junior male judge
… calls for respect and non-violation of women’s rights
The International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria has called on the executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya to confirm Hon. Justice Beatrice Lazarus Iliya, as the substantive Chief Judge (CJ) of Gombe State.
Condemning the delay and non-confirmation of Justice Iliya as CJ Gombe State, having completed her statutory three months period as Acting CJ, FIDA said this is unjust, particularly in this period of 16 Days of Activism, when the whole world is speaking against Gender-Based Violence and Violence against Women.
FIDA, in league with other groups revealed there are moves to swear in a junior male judge as Chief Judge, notwithstanding that Iliya is the most senior serving judge of the state’s high court.
Part of the statement signed by Rhoda Prevail Tyoden, FIDA Country Vice President/National President and Eliana Martins, National Publicity Secretary 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.
Allusions then were made to the case in Kebbi State where Governor Atiku Bagudu sacked the acting chief judge, Elizabeth Asabe Karatu, and replaced her with Muhtar Imam Jega.
Hon. Justice Beatrice Iliya Karatu had written a petition to the Nigerian Judicial Council, NJC alleging that she was denied her rights to confirmation because she is a Christian. The State House of Assembly refused to confirm Karatu.
The governor refuted her allegation but women groups and rights activists poked holes in his defence.
