Majority of the judges nominated for probable appointment as heads of the proposed anti-corruption specialised courts failed the integrity test being conducted by security agencies.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-graft war is currently facing a setback as majorirty of the judges norminated for probable appointment as heads of the proposed anti-corruption specialised courts couldn't pass the integrity test being conducted by security agencies.
A major part of the demand for the job was boldness and avoidance of sentiments in judgement.
Thirty-seven specialised courts are reportedly being planned by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in all the states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to solely and speedily try alleged looters. A source in the judicial circle told the Nigerian Tribune that the selection process is ongoing due to the massive failure of the integrity test by Nigerian judges. The source revealed a couple of judges who have been termed as the best successfully passed the test and have been selected for the sensitive assignment.
A fresh nomination process is under consideration currently to give other judges a chance to prove their worth.
An involved security source, "You know what judiciary is like in Nigeria today. The entire place (judiciary) is in a complete mess,” the source said, though it could not say exactly when the screening exercise would end."
The source also faulted the comment credited to Professor Itse Sagay, head of the presidential advisory committee on anti-corruption war, calling on suspected looters to take the advantage of its existence to return stolen wealth in exchange for reduced punishment.
“Either Sagay or his committee cannot make such an offer. It is not within their power to do that. That can never be part of their brief,” the source added.
It also said that Sagay’s committee would do well by having an interface with anti-corruption bodies and other relevant security bodies in the country and know more about their workings before making any recommendations to the president.