The Senate has screened and confirmed the nomination of 11 Justices for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court, as requested by President Bola Tinubu.
The 11 Justices were recommended by the National Judicial Council for Tinubu’s approval to fill the vacant positions at the Supreme Court following the demise and resignation of some Justices.
The justices include; Justice Haruna Tsammani (Northeast) who chaired the Presidential Election Petition Court, Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-east) and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-east)
The other include Justice Obande Ogbuinya (South-east),Justice Stephen Adah(North-central), Justice Habeeb Abiru (South-west), Justice Jamilu Tukur (Northwest), Justice Abubakar Umar (Northwest) and Justice Mohammed Idris( North-central).
The President’s letter to the Senate on the matter was read during plenary on Wednesday, December 20, seeking confirmation of the nominees.
The Senate confirmed the Justices on Thursday after considering the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, presented by Mohammed Tahir, chairman of the committee.
In his presentation, Tahir said the appointment satisfied the requirements of Section 231 Subsection 3 of the 1999 constitution as amended, which stipulates a minimum of 15 years of experience to qualify for the position.
He also said no criminal record or petition was found against the nominees, adding that they possess the requisite qualities to serve in the capacity.
“After scrutiny of their Curriculum Vitae, and other accompanying documents of the nominees, the Committtee recommends that the Senate confirms the nominees”, he said.
Commenting on the report, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the Committee for putting in extra time to ensure the nominees were screened on Wendy. He also expressed confidence that the Justices are qualified to do the job.
After the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the confirmation of the 11 Justices to a voice vote, where lawmakers voted in favour.
The confirmation of these nominees takes the number of Supreme Court justices from 10 to 21, marking the first time in history that the Supreme Court reaches its full complement of 21 justices, as mandated by law.
