ABUJA, Nigeria — Prominent human rights lawyer Chidi Odinkalu has questioned the impartiality of Nigeria’s Chief Justice, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for attending a project flag-off ceremony on land controversially revoked by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. The land, previously held by construction giant Julius Berger, was reclaimed by Wike for the development of judges’ quarters, a move some have described as politically motivated.
In a series of tweets Saturday, Odinkalu referenced Rule 2.8 of the Judicial Code of Conduct, which states, “A Judge shall avoid developing excessively close relationships with frequent litigants… if such relationships could reasonably create an appearance of partiality.” Odinkalu expressed concern over the Chief Justice’s presence, suggesting it could impact public perception of the judiciary’s independence.
“What confidence would Julius Berger have in the judiciary if it intends to challenge the revocation at the courts when the CJN herself went to flag off the construction?” Odinkalu tweeted, adding that the judiciary’s involvement in the project may deter public trust if the case reaches the courts.
The office of the Chief Justice has yet to respond to Odinkalu’s concerns or the allegations of conflict of interest. Meanwhile, the matter has highlighted longstanding questions regarding the separation of powers in Nigeria and the need for the judiciary to maintain clear independence from executive decisions.
