Mathew Amaechi
The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated an investigation into allegations of age falsification against the state’s Chief Judge, Justice G. C. Aguma. This move comes in the wake of recent actions by the National Judicial Council (NJC) addressing similar issues in other states.
At its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024, the NJC, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, recommended the compulsory retirement of two senior judicial officers for age falsification. The Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, and the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana Mahdi, were found to have discrepancies in their dates of birth, leading to their recommended retirements.
In addition to these recommendations, the NJC suspended Justice G. C. Aguma of the Rivers State High Court for one year without pay. The Council found that Justice Aguma committed acts of misconduct by aiding a litigant who obtained a judgment at the FCT High Court, Abuja, and filed a garnishee against judgment debtors in the Bori Division of the High Court, Rivers State.
The NJC’s findings revealed that Justice Aguma failed to question why the garnishee proceedings were brought to his court in Bori for a money judgment that could have been effectively enforced in Abuja.
In light of these developments, the Rivers State Assembly has expressed concern over the integrity of the state’s judiciary. The Assembly has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations against Justice Aguma to uphold the credibility of the state’s legal system.
The Speaker of the Assembly emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the judiciary, stating that any form of misconduct undermines public trust. The Assembly has pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed in the investigation.
