In a significant development, the National Judicial Council
(NJC) has recently made recommendations
for the appointment of 23 new judges to
the esteemed Federal High Court. The legal body, headed by Chief Justice of
Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, carefully assessed the candidates and
granted their approval for elevation to the high court bench. Notably, among
the recommended candidates is Olukayode Ariwoola, Jr., the son of the CJN
himself.
Alongside the Federal High Court judges, the NJC also put
forth recommendations for the appointment of a Grand Kadi for Kaduna state and
four Kadis for the Sharia Court of Appeal in Kano State, reflecting the
council’s commitment to enhancing the judiciary at various levels.
A statement issued by Mr. Soji Oye, the Director of
Information at the NJC, confirmed these recommendations. The statement further
clarified that the recommended candidates would assume their positions after
receiving the necessary approvals from President Bola Tinubu, the respective
State Governors, or following confirmation by their State Houses of Assembly.
These procedural steps were essential to ensure the appointments were duly
authorized.
In addition to Olukayode Ariwoola, Jr., the other candidates
recommended as Federal High Court Judges are Ekerete Udofot Akpan, Hussaini
Dadan-Garba, Egbe Raphael Joshua, Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa, Aishatu Auta Ibrahim,
Ogazi Friday Nkemakonam, Ogundare Kehinde Olayiwola, Onah Chigozie Sergius,
Hauwa Buhari, Ibrahim Ahmad Kala, and Hauwa Joeph Yilwa. The list also includes
Amina Aliyu Mohammed, Sharon Tanko Ishaya, Chituru Joy Wigwe-Oreh, Musa Kakaki,
Owoeye Alexander Oluseyi, Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi, Agbaje Olufunmilola Adetutu,
Salim Olasupo Ibrahim, Dipeolu Deinde Isaac, Abdullahi Muhammad Dan-Ige, and Mashkur
Salisu.
For the position of Grand Kadi in Kaduna state, Hon. Kadi
Muhammad Aminu Danjuma received the NJC’s endorsement, signifying their
confidence in his abilities. Additionally, Muhammad Adam Kadem, Salisu Muhammad
Isa, Isa Idris Sa’id, and Aliyu Muhammad Kani were recommended to be appointed
as Kadis for the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal. These appointments were
deemed necessary to strengthen the Sharia judiciary and ensure the efficient
administration of justice in Kano State.
The NJC’s recommendations and approvals were the outcome of
the council’s 103rd meeting, during which each candidate was carefully
evaluated based on their qualifications, expertise, and commitment to upholding
the principles of justice. The council’s commitment to maintaining the
integrity and effectiveness of the judiciary is evident through its meticulous
selection process. Once the candidates secure the necessary approvals, they
will be duly sworn in to assume their respective positions, bringing fresh
talent and expertise to the Nigerian judiciary.
