Social Media Reports On Justices Nomination List, ‘Mischief-Making’, Says NJC 

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disowned reports credited to it in the social media that it was not aware or did not receive nomination list for Supreme Court vacancies from the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). The Director of Information, Barrister Soji Oye, on Sunday, said that he never had discussion with anybody regarding receiving or not receiving the list of Justices nominees from the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). He described the social media reports on the matter as deliberate handiwork of mischief -makers, insisting that reports on such matters are always by official press statement from the Council through his office. The NJC Spokesperson cautioned against unverified reports circulating on social media regarding Supreme Court nominations and the process being followed to fill vacancies on the bench. It will be recalled that there were reports stating that the FJSC released 22 names for NJC’s consideration to fill vacancies at the Apex Court bench.  The nomination reportedly includes regional distribution of candidates across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. According to the report, the nomination of Justices for the bench followed complaints in September that the Supreme Court was operating with only 10 out of its constitutional strength of 21 Justices. Based on the depletions of Justices due to retirement and deaths, it was reported that the FJSC subsequently submitted a shortlist to address the vacant positions. Oye warned the media, especially social media operators to always get their information from rightful sources so as not to mis-inform the general public on Supreme Court nominations and the process being followed to fill vacancies on the bench.

22 Justices Nominated For Supreme Court Promotion (Full List)

The Federal Judicial Service Commission has forwarded a list of 22 justices from the Court of Appeal to the National Judicial Council, marking them as potential candidates for elevation to Nigeria’s prestigious Supreme Court. In a move highlighting geographical diversity, the nominations represent various regions across Nigeria, showcasing a comprehensive array of candidates.  Among the nominees, six justices originate from the north-central region, while the southeast and south-south regions boast six and two nominees, respectively.  Additionally, the southwest region has two nominations, and both the northeast and northwest regions contribute two candidates each. Here’s a breakdown of the nominated justices from the different regions: South East Hon Justice Nwaoma Uwa (Abia State) – Priority Hon Justice Onyekachi Otisi (Abia State) – Reserve Hon Justice Obande Ogbuinya (Ebonyi State) – Priority Hon Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua (Imo State) – Reserve Hon Justice Anthony Ogakwu (Enugu State) – Priority Hon Justice Chioma Nwosu-lheme (Imo State) – Reserve South South Hon Justice Moore Adumein (Bayelsa State) – Priority Hon Justice Biobele Georgewill (Rivers State) – Reserve South West Hon Justice Adewale Abiru (Lagos State) – Priority Hon Justice Olubunmi Oyewole (Osun State) – Reserve North Central Hon Jummai Sankey (Plateau State) – Priority Hon Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Sirajo (Plateau) – Reserve Hon Justice Stephen Adah (Kogi State) – Priority Hon Justice Ridman Maiwada Abdullahi (Nassarawa State) – Reserve Hon Justice Baba Idris (Niger State) – Priority Hon Justice Joseph Ikyegh (Benue State) – Reserve North East Hon Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani (Bauchi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abubakar Talba (Adamawa State) – Reserve North West Hon Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu (Jigawa State) – Priority Hon Justice Bello Aliyu (Zamfara State) – Reserve Hon Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar (Kebbi State) – Priority Hon Justice Abdullahi Mahmud Bayero (Kano State) – Reserve