In a statement signed just a few hours ago, President Goodluck Jonathan approved the dismissal of Justice Ayo Isa Salami. Justice Salami has been under probe by the NJC National Judicial Council and was recently suspended by the council as a result of his involvement in what is referred to as malpractice at the highest levels of the judicial arm of the Government.
The NJC found Justice Ayo Isa Salami guilty of judicial malpractice, in line with this the NJC suspended the Justice and recommended his dismissal from the judiciary. The President just yesterday approved his sack and proceeded to appoint Justice Dalhatu Adamu as acting President of the Court, pending the resolution of all issues relating to the crisis.
In a statement by Reuben Abbati, the President stated thus “President Goodluck Jonathan is in receipt of a correspondence dated 18th August, 2011, from the National Judicial Council (NJC), recommending the compulsory retirement of Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, for misconduct in accordance with the provisions of Section 292 (1) (a) (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and Rule 1 (1) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
“Consequently, President Jonathan, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 238 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, has approved the acting appointment of Hon. Justice Dalhatu Adamu to perform the functions of the office of the President of the Court of Appeal pending when all issues relating to the office of the President of the Court of Appeal are resolved”.
