Civil society organizations have cautioned Osun State government from its purported plan to remove the chief judge of the state, CJ Adebola Adepele-Ojo based on her principle stance.
The CSO while addressing Journalists in Osogbo also threatened to embark on protests if the Governor did not reverse the appointment of Ashim Abioye as chairman of the Osun state independent Electoral commission.
The chief judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo was initially due for retirement in October this year when she turned 65 until President Bola Tinubu in June signed a bill increasing high court judges retirement age to 70.
Since this development, there have been insinuations and allegations from several quarters that the Osun State government and the state assembly are planning to forcefully retire or remove the chief judge.
In a new twist, a coalition of civil society organizations led by Comrade Ayo Ologun told newsmen that the state government has petitioned the National judicial council to get the chief judge out of office.
The group also warned the Osun State House of Assembly not to allow herself to be used as an instrument in illegality.
The group also condemned the appointment of Hashim Abioye who is a political Aide of the Osun State Governor as the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission.
It stressed that the appointment raised serious questions about the independence of OSIEC and the potential impact on the credibility of future electoral processes in Osun State.
They called on the government to withdraw the appointment and prioritize the appointment of an individual with a proven track record of impartiality, integrity, and commitment to the principles of democracy into the office.
In his words, “The coalition of civil society groups committed to upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and the rule of law, strongly condemns the recent attempt by the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to illegally remove the Chief Judge of Osun State, Honorable Justice Adebola Adepele Ojo.
“This move is particularly troubling as it appears to be a reprisal against the Chief Judge for her principled stand against attempts to manipulate the judiciary in the state.
“The independence of the judiciary is a cornerstone of any democratic society, and any attempt to undermine or interfere with the judiciary compromises the very foundation of the rule of law.
“The Chief Judge, in her capacity, has a constitutiona duty to uphold justice and ensure the fair and impartial administration of the law. her commitment to these principles should be celebrated, not met with attempts at removal for political reasons.
“We sternly also warn the Osun State House of Assembly not to allow herself to be used as an instrument in illegality. The Assembly should know that nowhere in the world does the legislature have power to suspend nor remove a judicial officer like a chief justice of the state, only the National Judicial Council has such power and in this case, we have taken the matter to them for proper investigation of the issues that might have been raised.”
Speaking on the OSIEC appointment, “We also wish to expresses our deep concern and condemnation regarding the recent appointment of a political Aide of the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, that is, Barrister Hashim Abioye, as the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).
“The appointment of a partisan figure, such as Hashim Abioye, to head an independent electoral commission contradicts the fundamental principle of ensuring a non-partisan, impartial, and transparent electoral process. It is essential for the integrity of the electoral system that individuals entrusted with such responsibilities are perceived as neutral and unbiased.
“The appointment raises serious questions about the independence of OSIC and the potential impact on the credibility of future electoral processes in Osun State. The role of the electoral commission is pivotal in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, and the appointment of a politically affiliated individual compromises the perceived neutrality of the commission.
“In a democratic society, the independence of electoral bodies is paramount to guaranteeing the rights of citizens to participate in the electoral process without fear of manipulation or bias. A non-partisan approach to the leadership of electoral commissions is vital for fostering public trust and confidence in the electoral system.
“One will recall the Muhammad Uwais recommendation in this regard.
“If we must have credible and acceptable elections, it must begin with us in the selection of persons that heads such organizations.
“We hereby call on the sun State government to reconsider this appointment and to prioritize the appointment of an individual with a proven track record of impartiality, integrity, and commitment to the principles of democracy.
“It is imperative that the leadership of OSIEC inspires confidence among all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the general public.
“The credibility of elections is essential for the stability and progress of any democratic society, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the electoral commission operates independently and transparently.”
