The Kano State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has declined to engage in public debate over the disciplinary action it took against Acting Director of Information and Statistics of the Kano State Shari’a Court of Appeal, Ado Muzambilu, saying the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction and should be allowed to run its course.

SolaceBase reports that the commission’s position was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesman, Baba Jibo Ibrahim, who said the clarification became necessary following various media reports and public commentaries on the disciplinary action against Muzambilu and the subsequent suit he instituted against the commission.

According to the statement, the JSC has the utmost respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary and, therefore, will not join issues with any party over a matter that is already pending before the court.

“The Commission considers it necessary to state that it will not engage in a public debate or join issues with any party over a matter that is currently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement read.

The commission maintained that the disciplinary action against Muzambilu was taken strictly in the exercise of its constitutional and statutory mandate.

It explained that the decision followed due consideration of the relevant facts and materials placed before it and was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Judicial Service Commission Regulations, the Kano State Public Service Rules and other applicable laws governing the discipline of judicial officers and staff under its supervision.

It further reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity, credibility and accountability of the judiciary, stressing that it would continue to discharge its constitutional responsibilities fairly, transparently, impartially and without fear or favour.

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While declining to comment further on the matter, the commission said doing so could prejudice the ongoing proceedings.

It therefore urged members of the public and the media to refrain from undue speculation and allow the court to determine the issues before it.

“The Judicial Service Commission reassures the people of Kano State of its commitment to the rule of law, due process and the preservation of public confidence in the administration of justice,” the statement added.

SolaceBase had reported that the JSC announced Muzambilu’s compulsory retirement on July 6, saying its Establishment Committee uncovered alleged irregularities in his academic records, including the alteration of academic credentials and admission into the Nigerian Law School without the commission’s approval.

However, Muzambilu is challenging the decision before the National Industrial Court, naming the Kano State Judicial Service Commission, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the state Commissioner for Justice as respondents.

He denied all allegations against him and is seeking an order setting aside his compulsory retirement as well as N100 million in damages, arguing that the commission’s decision tarnished his reputation and destroyed the professional career he had built over the years.