The National Judicial Council (NJC) has elevated Justice Nyesom-Wike Eberechi Suzzette to the appellate court.
The decision to elevate Justice Eberechi, wife of the former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, alongside 21 others was against the backdrop of its (NJC) 105th plenary meeting held on May 15 and 16.
While the Council, recommended 64 others for appointment as judges of various other lower courts, Justice Ekwo and Justice Brikins-Okolosi were barred from getting promotion to the appellate court for a period of two years and three years respectively.
The recommended candidates according to the press statement made available to newsmen were expected to be sworn-in after the approval of their appointment by President Bola Tinubu and Governors of their respective states.
The Council, in the statement said its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees filtered 35 petitions that were written against the judicial officers and deemed them to be meritorious.
However, the legal body stressed that other petitions that were brought against 20 High Court judges across the federation, were dismissed for lack of merit, evidence of misconduct, subjudice or that they were matters that could be appealed.
Likewise, the Council said it deliberated on the notification of retirements of three Judicial Officers, among whom included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, as well as the notification of death of three Judges of the Federal and State Courts.
The statement, which was signed by the Director of Information at the NJC, Soji Oye, read in part: “The National Judicial Council under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, at its plenary of 105th Meeting held on 15 & 16 May 2024, resolved to issue warning letters to Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo of the Federal High Court and Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court.
“Hon Justice Inyang E. Ekwo is warned for abuse of discretionary power of a Judge by wrongly granting an ex parte order in Suit No FHC/ABJ/C/626/2023 Juliet Ebere Nwadi Gbaka & 2 Ors V Seplat Energy Plc & 12 Ors.
“The Hon Judge is also barred from being elevated to a higher Bench for a period of two years.
“Hon. Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi of Delta State High Court is also issued a warning for failure to deliver judgement within stipulated period in Joseph Anene Okafor Vs Skye Bank, Suit No A/94/2010 after parties had filed and adopted their final Written Addresses.
“Justice G. B. Brikins-Okolosi will also not be elevated to a higher Bench for a period of three years.