By Ummi Ismaeel,
Minna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) youth group, the Christian Youth Forum (CYF) in Niger State, has rejected the inclusion of only one Christian in the list of 16 newly appointed magistrates in the state judiciary.
The state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, had released the new list of magistrates made up of 15 Moslems and one Christian, recently.
The group, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Joshua Ndace, stated that the list was not reflective and representative of the cordial religious diversity of the state, hence rejected it.
“The process of appointing magistrates in itself was laudable giving the human capacity gap in our judiciary.
“What, however, we found very disturbing was the insensitivity of that particular process to the religious diversity of our dear Niger State,” the group stated.
It said that the new appointments further exposed the biasness of the government in power, which has continued to create disparity between Christians and Moslems, adding to the lopsidedness in appointment into key positions.
He recalled, “Out of the initial 13 magistrates that were appointed, Christians were not found on the list. A Christian, however, managed to make the list of the last three magistrates, which was added as an afterthought.
“If any critical institution of government is to promote fairness justice and all inclusiveness, it should be the judiciary. It is for this reason that we feel even more bewildered and disappointed”, adding that what is happening clearly shows favouritism for one religion against others.
The group therefore called on the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Aisha Bwari, to correct the imbalance.
It said, “We strongly believe that no Nigerlite should be denied a position for which he/she is eminently qualified for any reason”.
Niger State, according to group could boast of more qualified legal professionals of Christian extraction and wondered why those behind the appointments or vested with the responsibilities of recommending people for such positions did not shortlist Christian names.
“We, the Christian Youths Forum, are calling on the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Aisha Bwari, to address the imbalance in the appointment of magistrates to make the process an all inclusive one,” the group stated.