President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering the appointment of a 71-year-old retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Abdu Aboki, as the chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). If confirmed, this move would align with the tradition of selecting relatively aged, retired jurists for the position.
Abdu Aboki retired from the Supreme Court in August 2022 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. The ICPC Act stipulates that the chairman must be a person qualified to hold office as a judge of a superior court of record in Nigeria. Aboki fulfills this criterion, having served on the Court of Appeal bench before his elevation to the Supreme Court in 2020.
While some critics express concerns about appointing an older individual in an era that demands innovative strategies to combat corruption, supporters argue that Aboki’s age and extensive experience across the judiciary hierarchy could be an asset for handling legal complexities in corruption cases.
The current ICPC chair, Bolaji Owasanoye, is set to complete his five-year tenure in six months. If appointed, Aboki would join the league of retired jurists who have led the anti-corruption agency in the past.
Abdu Aboki has a distinguished legal career, starting as a High Court judge in 1987. He later served on the Court of Appeal bench and was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2020. His potential appointment would mark a return to the tradition of selecting seasoned jurists for leadership roles in anti-corruption agencies.
It’s essential to note that the ICPC Act requires the chairman to be a person of proven integrity, and the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Aboki’s potential appointment raises discussions about the balance between experience, age, and the need for innovative strategies in addressing contemporary corruption challenges.
