CJN Ariwoola Appoints Younger Brother as NJC Auditor, Raises Concerns Over Transparency

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola has appointed his younger brother, Adebayo Ariwoola, as the new auditor for the National Judicial Council (NJC), according to sources confirmed last week.

The appointment positions Adebayo Ariwoola in a crucial role overseeing the internal audit unit of the NJC, tasked with evaluating internal controls, scrutinizing accounting processes, and ensuring compliance with legal standards.

Upon inquiry, NJC spokesperson Soji Oye refrained from commenting on the matter, while Supreme Court spokesman Festus Akande remained unreachable for a response.

Critics, including anti-corruption campaigner Chido Onumah, express concerns about potential conflicts of interest, emphasizing the importance of transparency in such appointments. Onumah argues that even if qualified, familial ties compromise the independence required for overseeing the CJN’s domain.

Adebayo Ariwoola, formerly an NJC accountant, faces scrutiny over his promotion to this prominent role. Public affairs analyst Lanre Suraj acknowledges the right of civil servants to aspire to senior positions but urges both the CJN and NJC to show more respect for the evident conflict of interest.

This development coincides with a challenging period for the judiciary, marked by a defensive posture against public opinion. Recent critical rulings have stirred skepticism about the judiciary’s image, with concerns raised about the perceived dismissal of justice in favor of technicalities.

Juwon Sanyaolu, director of the Take-it-Back Movement in Nigeria, highlights a lack of attention to public perception across government branches, expressing worry about the potential compromise of the auditor’s office integrity.

Instances of internal disagreements within the judiciary over fund disbursement have been noted, with past complaints addressing deteriorating working conditions for senior judges despite allocated funds. The judiciary’s transparency and accountability are now under renewed scrutiny, reflecting broader concerns about the integrity of public institutions.