Justice Mary Odili (Rtd): Weak Petitions Without Evidence Allow Judges to Escape Sanctions
A former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (Rtd) has stressed that many petitions filed against judges in Nigeria fail because they lack material facts and credible evidence.
Justice Odili stated this at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia on Thursday during the South East regional security summit organized by the Federal Ministry of Defense.
She explained that the National Judicial Council (NJC) will only impose disciplinary measures when petitions are backed by concrete proof of misconduct. According to her, petitions presented in “watery form” without supporting evidence enable accused judges to defend themselves successfully and avoid punishment.
“A lot of concerns has been made in the society about whether justice is what it should be.
‘Some people have grouses about some judges, please send your petitions to the National Judicial Council.
“The Chief Justice of Nigeria attends to every petition that comes against any judicial officer, but some petitions come in watery form without facts, without the material support with which that petition is to be attended to.
“Remember, the Judge you are accusing or you thought has infracted, has a right to a fair hearing. So, he can extricate himself from the condemnation or the accusations If the petition is watery and does not have the necessary facts for which it can be handled”, she stated.
Justice Odili urged Nigerians dissatisfied with judicial outcomes to submit petitions to the NJC, but cautioned that they must be prepared to provide credible evidence to support their claims. She assured that once petitions are verified and substantiated, the NJC will impose appropriate sanctions.
“Once your petitions are verified and they have the necessary credence, that judge will get the necessary punishment”, she said
She concluded by reaffirming that the Nigerian judiciary remains committed to its constitutional role in safeguarding justice, peace, and national security.
