Senate Confirms 11 New Justices of Supreme Court

In a long-awaited move to fill crucial vacancies within the highest echelons of Nigeria’s judiciary, the Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of 11 new justices to the revered Supreme Court.

This significant step comes after a prolonged period of vacancies that left various zones across the country underrepresented or entirely absent from the apex court.

The newly confirmed justices include:

• 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

Typically, justices of the Supreme Court are drawn from diverse zones across Nigeria, ensuring representation and diversity within the judicial system. However, the failure to replace retiring justices since 2017 has led to concerns over underrepresentation in certain zones, impacting the court’s regional diversity and coverage.

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The public had anticipated these confirmations, expecting them to precede the presidential election or before the Supreme Court’s judgement on the presidential election. The delayed appointments have drawn attention, highlighting the urgency of addressing the prolonged vacancies within the Supreme Court to uphold the court’s effectiveness and integrity.

With these new appointments, the Supreme Court is poised to bolster its capacity to adjudicate critical cases and uphold the rule of law across the nation. The induction of these justices is seen as a critical step in restoring balance and diversity within the highest levels of Nigeria’s judiciary, vital for a fair and equitable justice system.