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Eleven New Supreme Court Justices Set to Swear-In; Upholding Judicial Integrity and Accountability

Published

2 months ago

February 23, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Eleven New Supreme Court Justices Set to Swear-In; Upholding Judicial Integrity and Accountability

The Nigerian judiciary is poised for a significant milestone as eleven new justices are scheduled to be sworn in at the Supreme Court on Monday, February 26, 2024. This ceremony, to be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s legal landscape.

Confirmed by the Senate on December 21, 2023, these justices bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the apex court. Among them are Jummai Hannatu Sankey, Chidiebere Nwaoma Uwa, Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Simon Tsammani, and Moore Aseimo A. Adumein. Also included in this esteemed group are Justices Obande Festus Ogbuinya, Stephen Jonah Adah, Habeeb Adewale O. Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris.

The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for 10 am in the main courtroom of the Supreme Court, symbolizes a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the impartial administration of justice. Festus Akande, spokesman for the Supreme Court, confirmed the event’s details, highlighting its significance within the legal profession.

Meanwhile, recent events underscore the crucial role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles and preserving the integrity of electoral processes. In a recent interview with Punch, Oladipupo Olayokun, National Secretary of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), recounted the Supreme Court’s intervention in preventing attempts to subvert the electorate’s will in Kano State.

Olayokun praised the Supreme Court’s judgment reinstating Abba Yusuf as the duly elected governor of Kano State, describing it as a victory for democracy and judicial independence. He expressed concerns over the Kano tribunal and Appeal Court rulings, which initially favoured the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Nasiru Gawuna, suggesting an attempt to manipulate the electoral outcome.

Moreover, Olayokun questioned the propriety of the Kano tribunal judges’ delivering their ruling via Zoom, raising valid concerns about transparency and due process in judicial proceedings.

As Nigeria prepares to welcome its new Supreme Court justices, the judiciary’s role in upholding democratic values and ensuring accountability remains paramount. The swearing-in ceremony serves as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to fairness, justice, and the rule of law, thereby bolstering public confidence in the nation’s legal system.

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