Here to stay, fired CJ vows, terms sacking illegal
Immediate former Chief Justice Ibrahim Idle Suleiman has dismissed his sacking as unconstitutional vowing to stay put as the judiciary top man even as President Mohamed Farmaajo has settled for former Waddani party chief executive Mohamed Bashe.
In an interview with VOA Somali Sunday, Suleiman said the president erred in relieving him of his duties adding he had not received any complaints contrary to what the president said Sunday.
In sacking Suleiman who came to office mid- 2016, President Farmaajo said he arrived at the decision based on concerns from members of the public about the functioning of the judiciary and need for judicial reforms.
“Responding to the pledge to establish a transparent and fair judicial system, I have appointed Chairman of the Supreme Court of Somalia Mr. Baashe Yusuf Ahmed. I hope the new Chief Justice will fulfill his duties,” President Farmaajo said.
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But Suleiman added besides other reasons which could have been used as reason for his sacking, he had not attained the legally set age of 65. “The Chief Justice and other Judges of the High Court leave office when they reach 65 years,” Suleiman noted. Asked about complaints regarding performance of duty, the now embattled judge said he had not received any complaints.
“I submitted recommendations for reform of the judiciary on 25th of this month to the President, Prime Minister and the Federal Parliament. What has happened is illegal.”
Suleiman said he will remain put adding the move by the President amounts to interference of the Judiciary. “This is an independent arm of government.”
The Provisional Constitution mandates the Judicial Service Commission to hire and make recommendations for firing of judicial officers. However that body has not been formed giving the President leeway to unilaterally take up the task.