NJC can’t dictate Imo chief judge nominee — AG

Imo State Attorney-General Paul Obinatu has challenged the National Judicial Council's (NJC) claim to dictate which candidate the state should nominate for the substantive Chief Judge position. Obinatu argued that the NJC lacks the authority to control the Imo State Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) selection process. He emphasized that the JSC has an independent constitutional responsibility to assess and submit candidates for the Chief Judge appointment, and the NJC cannot "dictate, control or substitute its preferred candidate" for the commission's choice.

Obinatu cited relevant constitutional provisions, including Section 202 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects the JSC from external interference in its functions. He further referenced Sections 271(1) and provisions in the Third Schedule of the Constitution, outlining the respective roles of the JSC, NJC, and governor in the appointment process.

Obinatu maintained that the NJC's recommendation powers should not be interpreted as authority to control the State Commission's independent selection process.