The Nigerian Senate has officially confirmed the appointment of 11 new justices to the Supreme Court on Thursday.
The move comes after the National Judicial Council (NJC), led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, recommended the nominees to President Tinubu.
The NJC’s decision followed the submission of a list of 22 nominees to fill the vacant positions at the nation’s highest court.
Notably, the Supreme Court bench was operating with only 10 justices, falling below the statutory requirement of 21 judges.
The list of newly appointed justices includes;
Justice Jummai Sankey
Justice Stephen Adah
Justice Mohammed Idris
Justice Haruna Tsammani
Justice Jamilu Tukur
Justice Abubakar Umar
Justice Chidiebere Uwa
Justice Chioma Nwosu Iheme
Justice Obande Festus
Justice Moore Adume
Justice Habib Adewale
With these confirmations, the Supreme Court now achieves a more balanced representation across the country.
Prior to this, only four of the six geopolitical zones were represented on the bench. The South-west and North-east had three justices each, while the South-south and North-west had two each. Notably, the South-east and North-central were unrepresented following the retirement of Dattijo Muhammad from Niger State and the passing of Centus Nweze from Enugu State.
As a result of the recent appointments, both the South-east and North-central regions now boast three justices each on the Supreme Court bench. This move is expected to enhance regional diversity and ensure a broader spectrum of perspectives in the country’s highest court.
The Senate’s confirmation of these justices marks a pivotal moment in the quest for a well-rounded and inclusive judiciary, as the Supreme Court prepares to address the nation’s most critical legal matters with a more diverse and comprehensive panel of jurists.
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