The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, has expressed concern over emerging reports that political and institutional actors are pressuring President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing investigation of Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federalf High Court, Abuja.
There are reports that the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, is currently probing allegations that Justice Tsoho failed to declare certain assets as required by law.
The same reports indicate that influential figures within the political and judicial establishments are lobbying the Presidency to halt, delay, or dilute the investigation.
CHRICED said that these developments raise serious red flags about the potential for undue interference in a process that must remain strictly governed by law, transparency, and due process.
CHRICED reiterated that the independence of Nigeria’s anti corruption and accountability institutions is non negotiable.
“Any attempt—direct or indirect—to obstruct the lawful work of the Code of Conduct Bureau would undermine the rule of law and further erode public trust in the nation’s governance architecture,” a statement signed by Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, Executive Director, said.
“Asset declaration laws exist to promote transparency and accountability in public serviceg. These standards must apply uniformly to all public officials, regardless of status or influence.
“It is worth recalling that failure to declare assets as required by law led to the removal of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, in 2019 under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Allowing any individual to evade scrutiny would send a dangerous message that some persons occupy a privileged space above the law. The judiciary, as the guardian of justice, must be held to the highest standards of integrity.
“As the head of a court that adjudicates some of the nation’s most sensitive political and economic disputes, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court must exemplify accountability and ethical leadership.
“The most effective way to safeguard the credibility of the judiciary at this critical moment is to ensure that the investigation proceeds transparently, professionally, and without interference.
“Any executive intrusion into this matter risks damaging the anti corruption credentials of the current administration and setting a precedent that could embolden future political interference in investigations involving public officials.”
CHRICED affirmed that every citizen—including judicial officers—is entitled to the presumption of innocence adding however that this principle does not negate the obligation to subject allegations of misconduct to lawful and transparent scrutiny.
“[We Call]on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resist all pressure to interfere in the ongoing investigation and to allow the Code of Conduct Bureau to carry out its statutory mandate independently and without fear or favour,” the statement added.
It urged the National Judicial Council, NJC, to ensure that this matter is handled in a manner that strengthens, rather than further diminishes, the integrity of the judiciary.
“The NJC must confront the reality that public confidence in the judiciary is at a historic low amid widespread allegations of corruption,” it added
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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