Picture: Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu
By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-East, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, has commended the National Judicial Council (NJC) for its disciplinary action against judicial officers over alleged misconduct, abuse of judicial powers, disregard for due process and violations of constitutional provisions.
Arodiogbu described the disciplinary measures as a significant step towards strengthening judicial accountability, protecting the integrity of the judiciary and restoring public confidence in the administration of justice.
He particularly praised the leadership of the NJC for demonstrating that judicial independence must go hand in hand with discipline, integrity, professionalism and accountability.
The APC chieftain said the sanctions should serve as a warning that judicial office is a position of public trust and that no judicial officer is above the Constitution.
He welcomed the NJC’s decision to suspend three judicial officers for one year without pay over established misconduct, describing it as a demonstration of the Council’s commitment to upholding ethical standards in the judiciary.
However, Arodiogbu called on the NJC to investigate the circumstances surrounding a controversial judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s nomination as the APC candidate for the 2027 Imo West Senatorial election.
The judgment reportedly directed the recognition of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, raising questions about the court’s jurisdiction and the constitutional requirements governing pre-election disputes.
Arodiogbu argued that the case was instituted outside the constitutionally prescribed 14-day period for challenging pre-election matters, questioning the legal basis for the court’s intervention.
He expressed concern over what he described as serious constitutional and jurisdictional issues arising from the judgment, particularly the extent of the Federal High Court’s authority over the internal affairs of political parties and the strict timelines established for pre-election litigation.
According to him, the judiciary must not only dispense justice but also ensure that its decisions are firmly anchored on the Constitution and established legal principles.
He maintained that where substantial questions arise concerning jurisdiction, constitutional timelines and the handling of pre-election disputes, the appropriate judicial and constitutional institutions must be allowed to examine them.
Arodiogbu therefore urged the NJC to examine the circumstances surrounding the judgment and determine whether any breach of judicial conduct or professional standards occurred.
He explained that his call for an investigation should not be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate the judiciary or interfere with the appellate process, but as a demand for accountability and the protection of public confidence in the judicial institution.
The APC leader also expressed confidence that the appellate courts would have the opportunity to review the legal issues arising from the Imo West dispute and determine the correct constitutional position.
He reiterated that judicial independence must not be an excuse for impunity, insisting that accountability, fairness and strict adherence to the Constitution remain essential to sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Tags: APC, NJC, Imo West Election, Nigerian Judiciary, Ijeoma Arodiogbu
