The Nigerian Senate, during its recent plenary session on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the nation’s capital, approved amendments to the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act. The modification involves extending the implementation year from 31st December 2023 to 31st March 2024.
In addition to these legislative actions, the upper chamber confirmed the appointments of 11 Justices to the Supreme Court. Among the newly confirmed judges is Justice Haruna Tsammani (North-East), who previously chaired the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court. Other appointees include Justice Moore Adumein (South-South), Justice Jummai Sankey (North-Central), Justice Chidiebere Uwa (South-East), and Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-East), among others.
The confirmation of these justices followed a thorough debate by lawmakers during plenary. The discussion centred on the need to augment the judiciary budget, and concerns were raised about the impropriety of leaving a vacancy in the Supreme Court for an extended period before making new appointments.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, led by Senator Tahir Munguno, conducted the screening of all 11 nominees on Wednesday. Subsequently, the committee presented its report to the lawmakers, and approval was granted after the Senate dissolved into the committee of the whole.
This legislative move on Thursday aligns with the recommendations made by the National Judicial Council and responds to President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the lawmakers, seeking confirmation for the nominated Supreme Court justices.
