Atiku’s aide accuses CJN of ‘hobnobbing with politicians’

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communications to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, on Friday  accused the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Oluwakayode Ariwoola, of descending into political commentaries.

Shaibu made  this known while reacting to the remarks credited to Ariwoola, where the latter reportedly hailed the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for being a member of the PDP G5 governors.

The aide, in a press statement on Friday, said, “Last month, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, inaugurated 277 election petition tribunal members to adjudicate on matters arising from the 2023 General Elections in the country.

“At the event, Justice Ariwoola warned judges to remain neutral and impartial during this political season. He also warned politicians against trying to induce judges.

“However, it may seem the honourable CJN is not ready to lead by example going by his recent utterances and open and blatant hobnobbing with politicians.”

The aide specifically frowned at the frequency in which the CJN made remarks in support of actions by a group of governors of the PDP led by the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.

Shaibu continued, “On October 30, 2022, the CJN, who is from Oyo State, was hosted to an elaborate reception by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde. At the event, Justice Ariwoola sat with Makinde and other governors who now pride themselves as the G5.

But it may seem Justice Ariwoola continues to enjoy the company of politicians. On Thursday, November 24, 2022, the CJN was in Rivers State, this time as a guest of Governor Nyesom Wike who also happens to be a member of the G5.

“Apparently, overwhelmed by Wike’s lavish reception at the inauguration of judiciary projects, the CJN said at the live event that he was happy that Governor Makinde was a member of the G5 and solidly with Governor Wike.”

Shaibu further emphasised that that the CJN acknowledged the presence of the group of five governors at the gala night and judiciary project inauguration which held in Rivers.

The statement urged stakeholders in the judiciary to caution the CJN, adding, “This is why it is important for the Nigerian Bar Association, the Body of Benchers and all other reputable organisations in the judiciary to immediately caution Justice Ariwoola against desecrating the exalted office of the CJN.”