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NJC-Salami Feud :Tread
with
Caution, Atiku warns presidency,
others
Newsdiaryonline Mon Aug 22,2011
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for strict
observance of the constitution in the resolution of the crisis
of confidence in the top leadership of the judiciary.
Atiku, who made the call yesterday in Abuja, said that the
judiciary as the last hope of the common man should not be
jeopardized.
The former Vice President in a statement by his Media Office
said he has watched with concern the unfolding and embarrassing
drama, which is capable of undermining the integrity of the
nation’s judiciary.
Atiku stressed that the path of constitutionality must be
followed in resolving the crisis for the interest of rule of law
and democracy.
“It is imperative that we apply to the letter what the
constitution provides for in respect of issues like this,” he
said.
He condemned the mismanagement of the working relationship
between the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN), Justice
Aloysius Katsina-Alu and President of the Court of Appeal,
Justice Ayo Salami, which is now causing the country avoidable
discomfort.
“It is in the best
interest of our nascent democracy that I wish to appeal to the
National Judicial Council (NJC), the Nigerian Bar Association
(NBA), and the Presidency to tread with caution in resolving the
issue at stake as doing otherwise may endanger our fragile
democracy,” Atiku said.
He urged all stakeholders to adopt an impartial disposition in
the resolution of the conflict, bearing in mind that undue
extremism has the potential of violating the sanctity of the
judiciary.
He implored the Nigerian media to exercise restraint to avoid
compounding an already bad situation.
“The sensationalization of this issue is not in any way
beneficial to democracy and rule of law, which the Fourth Estate
of the realm is working to entrench.
“All well meaning Nigerians should work towards ensuring that
strict observance with the constitution prevails at the end of
the day as we cannot afford a rancorous judicial system,” Atiku
said.
In a related development Justice Dalhatu Adamu of the
Sokoto Division has been sworn in as the acting president of the
Court of Appeal.Performing the ceremony today, Justice Aloysius
Katsina -Alu the chief justice of the federation urged Adamu to
listen to wise counsel in the conduct of his duties.Adamu also
pledged to abide by the constitution .
President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Adamu yesterday
following the recommendation by the NJC.But the opposition CPC
has accused the regime of trying to frustrate its
presidential election petition through the suspension of Salami.
Reports also said the Abuja residence of suspended Justice
Salami was sealed up by gun totting policemen today.A police
spokesman reportedly said the move was not unusual and
that it was meant to keep the peace .The police
action came on the heels of demonstration in Lagos in protest
against the suspension of Salami.
In waht appears like another twist to the tale ,a call was
made today for the resignation of the Chief Justiceof the
Federation Justice Katsina Alu by Professor
Ukachukwu Awuzie ,president of the Academic Staff union of
Universities ,ASUU.Awuzie noted that the continued stay of
the CJN as well as all those party to the
controversy rocking the country is eroding the confidence
of Nigerians in the judiciary.
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