In a significant development on Thursday, December 21, 2023, the Senate officially confirmed eleven judicial nominees for the Supreme Court. The upper chamber, during its plenary session, endorsed the nominees after a thorough deliberation among lawmakers, underscoring the importance of fortifying the judiciary budget and expressing concern about the undue delays in filling vacancies within the Supreme Court.
Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, presided over the meticulous screening of all 11 nominees last Wednesday. Following this screening, the committee presented its comprehensive findings to the lawmakers, leading to unanimous approval as the Senate convened as the committee of the whole.
Among the distinguished jurists now confirmed is Justice Haruna Tsammani from the North-East, who previously chaired the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court. The additional appointees include Hon. Justice Jummai Hannatu Sankey, OFR; Hon. Justice Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa; Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme; Hon. Justice Moore Aseimo A. Adumein; Hon. Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya; Hon. Justice Stephen Jonah Adah; Hon. Justice Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru; Hon. Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur; Hon. Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar; and Hon. Justice Mohammed Baba Idris.
The confirmation of these nominees comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s request to the Senate, conveyed in a letter on Wednesday, urging the confirmation of the 11 nominees for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court. Prior to this confirmation, the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters had initiated the screening process for the nominees, who were recommended by the National Judicial Council.
With the successful confirmation of these esteemed jurists, the Supreme Court will now operate with its full complement of 21 justices, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
