By Ameh Ochojila

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and chairman of National Judicial Council (NJC), Olukayode Ariwoola, will in his last quarterly meeting of the council on Wednesday and Thursday, unveil new 11 Justices of the Supreme Court for transmission to President Bola Tinubu’s approval.

Government, recently, approved appointment of additional justices for the apex court that had been depleted over the years to 10 instead of 21.

The appointments may have been influenced my sustained public outcry against depletion and The Guardian’s comprehensive reports on the issue of manpower deficit. The nominations were made public about 36 hours after the CJN notified that the court would receive the constitutionally prescribed 21 justices during his tenure.

A source within the NJC informed The Guardian that the 11 justices would be selected from the 22 screened by the Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun-led appointment committee.

The panel shortlisted the candidates and recommended them for ratification.
“The panel will defend their decisions regarding each of the candidates at the meeting.”

The tradition for the appointment of justices to the Supreme Court of Nigeria is such that after nomination and ratification by the NJC, the list is thereafter forwarded to the President for final approval as the federal appointing authority,” the source explained.

Those recommended by the panel for ratification by NJC and onward transmission to the President include heads of courts and Judges from state judicial divisions.

The Guardian learnt that all nominees, including those being elevated from the Court of Appeal, have been screened and cleared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Security (DSS) and relevant agencies.

Meanwhile, the council retained its recognition of Osun Chief Judge, Adepele Ojo, as head of the judicial division.

Originally published at Guardian NG