Senate Confirms Eight S’Court Justices, Pledges Support For Judiciary

The Senate, on Tuesday, confirmed eight new Justices of the Supreme Court, who were nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari.

During the plenary, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele ( Ekiti Central Senatorial District), moved the motion for the consideration of the report of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the “Screening of the Nominations of (8) Justices of the Court of Appeal for Appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.”

He was seconded by Senator Rochas Okorocha ( Imo West Senatorial District).

On his part, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, lauded the President Buhari for being thoughtful with his selection.

“I will like to begin by commending President Muhamamdu Buhari for making these nominations. I commend him principally because this is the first time that we are having a total of eight (8) Justices being nominated for confirmation at a single stretch…

“Let me also commend the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for a thorough job done. I rise to support the work of this Committee. I do so because I happen to know all of the eight (8) nominees.

“They are all men of integrity, intellect and men who have added value to our jurisprudence. I have no doubt that they will do well in Supreme Court,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate President Ahmad Lawan, said that the new judges would boost the Apex court’s capacity to try numerous cases.

He also assured that the legislative arm of government would continue to work cordially with the judiciary.

“Let me on behalf of all of us congratulate the new Justices. We pray by these confirmation, the Supreme Court will have more hands to deal with cases that are waiting in the Supreme Court.

“It is also important we support the judiciary by giving them more resources that will enable them discharge their mandate,” he said.

The following justices were confirmed today, Tuesday:

1. Hon. Justice M. Lawal Garba – North West
2. Hon. Justice Helen M. Ogunwumiju – South West
3. Hon. Justice Addu Aboki – North West
4. Hon. Justice I. M. M. Saulawa – North West
5. Hon. Justice Adamu Jauro – North East
6. Hon. Justice Samuel C. Oseji – South South
7. Hon. Justice Tijjani Abubakar – North East
8. Hon. Justice Emmanuel A. Agim – South South