Retired Judge Criticizes Judicial Incompetence
Justice Isa Ayo Salami, the former President of the Appeal Court, has voiced strong criticism regarding the Nigerian judiciary's handling of recent political cases.
Speaking at his residence in Ilorin, Kwara State, Justice Salami asserted that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor, should not have been permitted to run for the 2023 presidency under the Labour Party (LP) banner.
He attributed such errors to the incompetence of certain judges, stating that some lack the necessary qualifications and experience.
Inadequate Judges and Flawed Decisions
Justice Salami expressed concern over the appointment of judges without adequate legal backgrounds, suggesting that population growth and the proliferation of law programs have contributed to this issue.
He provided examples of flawed decisions, including the candidacy of Peter Obi and the membership status of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, which, according to Salami, were wrongly allowed by the Supreme Court.
The retired jurist believes that some judges are promoted to the Supreme Court based on regional representation rather than merit, leading to less experienced individuals superseding their seniors.
Award Ceremony and Inspirations
During the visit, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) presented Justice Salami with an award, recognizing his contributions to the legal field.
Salami expressed his gratitude and admiration for the work of WSCIJ, acknowledging the significance of such awards for judges. He also revealed that his stance on Nigerian affairs was influenced by Prof. Wole Soyinka's audacity and principles.
Additionally, Justice Salami credited Chief Obafemi Awolowo's treasonable felony trial as the inspiration for his decision to study law, highlighting the importance of self-representation in politics."