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An Abuja-based attorney, Maxwell Opara, expressed his belief that the judicial nominees who did not pass the integrity test lacked representation to safeguard their interests before the panel.
Opara made this remark on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, as reported by DAILY POST.
He was responding to the recent failure of 34 judicial nominees in the integrity assessment.
The lawyer emphasized that the panel should disclose the names of all applicants and clearly outline the criteria used to create the integrity list, insisting that this is the only way to assure Nigerians that the panel conducted a thorough and impartial evaluation.
“Well, this has been our stance. This is what we have been advocating for, because we believe that achieving integrity in the judiciary is crucial. When we observe a politician or any Nigerian behaving inappropriately, it reflects on the state of the judiciary.
“Recently, we received information that some individuals did not pass the integrity test. Who are these individuals? Who submitted the petitions against them?
“What were the grounds for those petitions? Who conducted the interviews? This process should be transparent. There should be no secrecy involved.
“Personally, I may be mistaken. However, I believe that those who supposedly failed the integrity test are the ones who lacked someone to advocate for their interests in the panel.
“I could be wrong, but to demonstrate my error, the panel needs to disclose who applied and who submitted petitions against whom.
“If you prefer not to reveal the identities of the petitioners, that is acceptable, but please provide us with the facts and the reasoning behind determining the integrity standards. What were the criteria, and how did the individual fail to meet them?
“Naturally, I, along with others, feel similarly that those who were disqualified are likely those without connections to the panel members.
“To assure Nigerians that it performed its duties effectively, the panel must ensure full transparency, as my understanding is that only one or two individuals received petitions against them,” he stated.
- Why did the judicial nominees fail the integrity test?
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The specific reasons for the failure of the judicial nominees in the integrity test have not been disclosed. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency in the process.
- What does Maxwell Opara suggest for transparency in the panel's decisions?
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Maxwell Opara suggests that the panel should publicly release the names of all applicants and the criteria used for the integrity evaluation to ensure transparency and fairness.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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