The International Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Society (IHRAS) have noted that the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has exhibited qualities suitable for his confirmation as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and subsequently urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (NJC), Justice Walter Onnoghen, to liaise with the National Judicial Council (NJC) to confirm Justice Adamu Kafarati as the substantive Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
The request is contained in a letter by IHRAS a non-governmental organisation (NGO) led by Dr. U. O. Udofia.
IHRAS noted that since he was inaugurated as the Acting Chief Judge on September 16, Justice Kafarati has discharged his duties creditably well, warranting the call that he be confirmed.
The group said it resolved to champion Justice Kafarati’s prompt confirmation after a meeting of its trustees and National Executive Council on November 20, where members agreed that the judge has exhibited attributes of a good leader.
IHRAS said its members found that Justice Kafarati “has passion for his duties, does not allow personal interest to override public interest and has fulfilled all the six principles with which the United Nation assesses judges’ independence.
“He is personally monitoring judges of the Federal High Court to ensure speedy trial of cases and to prevent corruption, abuse of human rights and miscarriage of justice’’.
The group said with the potential so far exhibited by the Acting Chief Judge, it was convinced that Justice Kafarati would positive impacted on the court if made the substantive CJ.
It added: “In view of our findings about the suitability of Justice Kafarati for the headship of the Federal High Court at this moment, we deem it necessary to call on the CJN and the NJC to send his name to Mr. President for confirmation in the interest of the Nigerian public.”