THE North West provincial government has congratulated Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng on his nomination as chief justice.

Provincial spokesperson Cornelius Monama said the province wished to extend their support and best wishes to him following the decision.

"Criticism against Judge Mogoeng, that he is conservative or not independent, are based largely on prejudice and not on facts,' Monama said.

He said Judge Mogoeng's critics were scraping the bottom of the barrel to cast aspersions on his integrity and professional independence.

Monama said the provincial government appreciated the fact those who hoped their preferred candidates would be nominated were now disappointed.

"This does not give them license to launch unwarranted attacks on Judge Mogoeng."

He said the provincial government and people of North West had perfect confidence in the ability of Judge Mogoeng to be "our next chief justice".