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Supreme Court Faces Staffing Challenge With 11 Justices, 9 New Judges Join Appeal Court
Supreme Court Faces Staffing Challenge With 11 Justices, 9 New Judges Join Appeal Court....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), prepares to form the panel responsible for addressing and ultimately deciding on all the petitions related to the 2023 presidential election, the Supreme Court will witness a reduction in its bench, with the number of justices decreasing to 11 by Thursday. This decline in the Supreme Court’s bench, reaching an unprecedented low, is the result of the retirement of Justice Amina Augie from Kebbi State.
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Although Justice Augie reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 on September 3, the court officially announced her retirement, which will take effect on Thursday, due to the delay caused by the court’s annual vacation, which ended on September 15, 2023. This development is significant given that the Supreme Court’s justices had previously increased to a record number of 20 in November 2020 when President Muhammadu Buhari elevated eight justices simultaneously.
The hope at the time was that, for the first time in history, the apex court would achieve the full complement of 22 justices as required by Section 230 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. However, with the passing of Justice Sylvester Ngwuta on March 7, 2021, just 23 days before his retirement, and the subsequent retirement of Justice Rhodes-Vivour 14 days later, the Supreme Court was left with only 18 justices. Before their replacements could be appointed, Justice Samuel Oseji passed away in September 2021, less than a year after his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, Justice Mary Odili retired on May 12, 2022, and Justice Ejembi Eko retired on May 23, 2022. In a surprising move, CJN Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad resigned in June 2022, and Justice Abdul Aboki retired on August 5 of the same year, further reducing the number of Supreme Court justices to 13.
Tragically, the sole justice from the South East region, Justice Chima Centus Nweze, passed away in Abuja on July 29 of the current year after a brief illness. With the mounting workload on the apex court, stakeholders have called for the prompt appointment of new justices. Research by Vanguard has shown that Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammad will retire by October 27, and CJN Justice Ariwoola will exit the bench on December 31.
The remaining justices on the Supreme Court bench include Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun (to retire in 2026), John Inyang Okoro (2029), Uwani Abba Aji (2026), Garba Lawal (2028), and Helen Morenikeji Ogunwumiju (2027). Additionally, there are Ibrahim Saulawa (2026), Adamu Jauro (2029), Tijjani Abubakar (2030), and Emmanuel Agim (2030).
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Under the combined provisions of paragraphs 13(a) and 21(a) of the 3rd Schedule Part 1 of the Constitution, the National Judicial Council (NJC), in consultation with the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC), has the statutory authority to nominate and recommend the appointment of Supreme Court justices to President Bola Tinubu. Section 234 of the Constitution stipulates that the Supreme Court must hear cases in panels of 5 or 7 justices.
Meanwhile, the court has announced that on Wednesday, the CJN will swear in nine newly appointed justices of the Appeal Court. These justices include Hannatu Azumi Laja-Balogun from Kaduna State, Binta Fatima Zubairu from Kaduna State, Peter Chudi Obiora from Anambra State, Okon Efreti Abang from Akwa Ibom State, Asma’u Musa Mainoma from the Federal Capital Territory, Lateef Adebayo Ganiyu from Oyo State, Jane Esienanwan Iyang from Cross River State, Hadiza Rabiu Shagari from Sokoto State, and Paul Ahmed Bassi from Borno State.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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