Former Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili (rtd) has said that many petitions against judges in Nigeria fail because they lack solid evidence, allowing the accused judicial officers to escape punishment.
She explained that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will only sanction a judge when a petition is supported by material facts and credible evidence.
Justice Odili made the remarks on Thursday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia during the South East regional security summit organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence.
She noted that the NJC attends to every petition brought against judges, including those related to corruption. However, she stressed that allegations presented without sufficient proof enable the accused to clear themselves.
“A lot of concerns have been raised in society about whether justice is what it should be. Some people have grievances about some judges please send your petitions to the National Judicial Council,” she said.
“The Chief Justice of Nigeria attends to every petition that comes against any judicial officer, but some petitions come in a watery form without facts, without the material support needed for the petition to be properly handled.
“Remember, the judge you are accusing, or whom you believe has committed an infraction, has a right to fair hearing. So he can extricate himself from the accusations if the petition is weak and lacks the necessary facts.”
She urged Nigerians dissatisfied with court outcomes or judicial conduct to file petitions with the NJC, while ensuring they provide concrete evidence.
“Once your petitions are verified and have the necessary credence, that judge will get the necessary punishment,” she added.
Justice Odili also assured Nigerians that the judiciary would continue to play its role in promoting justice, peace and security in the country.
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