Appointment
Opeyemi expresses displeasure over firebrigade approach in appointment of Supreme Court justices
***Cautions FG on the financial implication, under funding of Judiciary
The Majority Leader of the Senate Opeyemi Bamidele has appealed to the National Judicial Council to avoid the lackluster approach in the appointment of Supreme Court Justices where vacancies are not filled as when due.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu’s letter seeking confirmation of the 11 appointed justices of the Supreme court was read at plenary.
The 11 Justices were recommended by the National Judicial Council for Tinubu’s approval to fill the vacant positions at the Supreme Court following death and resignation of some justices.
Speaking on Wednesday during the screening of the 11 Supreme Court justices by the senate committee on Judiciary Opeyemi said,
“I have this to say, first to the appointing authorities. The last time we experienced this kind of a thing was three years ago when I was chairman of the Senate committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal matters and we had to take dates of My Lord Justices together just like we are having today and today, it is 11 of you.
“My appeal on behalf of all of us to the appointing authorities is the need to avoid this kind of situation. These positions did not just became vacant in one day. I recall with a sense of patriotic pain how long this committee had to wait even after some days, list had been sent by the National Judicial council and the senate had to wait for several months close to 9months for the names to be forwarded for whatever reason, either they waited for one person or the other to make their list.
“Today 11 people. My hope and prayer is that in the Supreme Court already we don’t have a class of 8, I pray that is not happening but please let us not have a class of 11.
As this vacancies occur it is important that those who are next in line be screened and appointed immediately.
“To the federal government, generally I will also want to say that what is happening here today also has its financial implications and the budget of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should speak to it. “Appointment of judges comes with certain fiscal responsibility. They must have offices, they must have accommodation, they must be able to.do their work with the basic paraphernalia of office including their vehicles.
“Let it not be that after this exercise the NJC would now be saddled with the responsibility of having to run from pillar to pole to ensure that My Lord’s are able to settle down and of course to the entire public who also are interested in what is going on today.
“What we are doing in the Senate through this committee is a final round of the confirmation process, screening has been done thoroughly by the Federal Judicial service Commission, so that between FJSC and NJC a lot has been done.
“We are not here to begin to look into the circumstances of birth of any of the nominees. The manner of judgement they delivered in the past we are not saddled with that responsibility.
“Let no one be surprised that these names were read today on the floor of the Senate and were referred to the committee and tomorrow this committee is expected to submit its report back to plenary.
“It is because we know that major screening has been done including even security screening by the department of security service, by the police and all relevant Authority. This is the only committee where every member is a professional, every member of this committee is a lawyer.”
Making his opening remarks before the session went into closed doors, Monguno said the legislature had a responsibility to “jealously guard the independence of the judiciary” by insulating it against abuses.
He cited insufficient funding as one major problem of the judiciary, which Monguno said the Senate was addressing in the 2024 budget.
Monguno spoke on how his committee suspended the consideration of the budget of the judiciary and invited the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, to appear before it and explain the yearly under-funding of the judiciary.
He added that the National Assembly was ready to work closely with the judiciary to bring about needed reforms in the country’s body of laws.
“We are going to collaborate to bring about necessary reforms in our laws; to bring them in tandem with the realities of today.
“We want the Supreme Court to have its full complement, so that their work would be unhindered”, Monguno stated.
In a historic move, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed a bill for the first reading that is seeking to create Ijebu State from the existing Ogun State. The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District.
During the plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, introduced the bill as the “fourth order of the day,” with Senate President Godswill Akpabio presiding over the proceedings. The bill successfully passed its first reading, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations.
The push for Ijebu State creation is part of a broader national discussion on state creation aimed at fostering local governance, improving political representation, and boosting regional development. Proponents believe that Ijebu State would bring about greater administrative efficiency and promote economic growth in the region.
The legislative journey for state creation involves multiple stages, including further readings, committee reviews, and constitutional amendments. Approval requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and endorsement by at least 24 state Houses of Assembly.
If successful, Ijebu State would become Nigeria’s 37th state, underscoring ongoing efforts to address regional demands for administrative autonomy and improved governance.
Musliu Akinsaya, widely known as MC Oluomo, has been elected as the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Oluomo, a staunch ally of President Bola Tinubu, previously served as the Lagos State Chairman of the union and has now ascended to the national leadership.
The election took place during the Southwest Zone’s Quadrennial Delegate Conference held at the Zonal Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State, where delegates from Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti states participated.
The conference, which was observed by Aliyu Issa-Ore, the acting National President of NURTW, followed the union’s constitutional stipulation, which mandates that the zone in rotation produces the president. As a result, the Southwest zone has now taken its turn in filling the national presidency.
In addition to the national presidency, the conference also saw the election of Tajudeen Agbede as Vice President for the Southwest zone, and Akeem Adeosun as a trustee from the region.
After taking the oath of office, MC Oluomo appealed for unity within the union, calling on all members to maintain peace and harmony. He emphasized his commitment to preserving the union, noting that any personal grievances should be put aside for the greater good. “I have forgiven everyone that offended me, and I wish those I offended would forgive me as well,” Oluomo said, stressing the importance of solidarity in ensuring the survival of the union’s mission and livelihood.
His election marks a significant development within the NURTW, with MC Oluomo pledging to lead the organization with a focus on unity, stability, and the continued welfare of its members.
The ancient city of Asaba was filled with joy on Saturday as prominent figures gathered to witness the historic coronation of Professor Epiphany Chibuogu Azinge, SAN, as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.
Among the distinguished guests was Mr. Peter Obi, who expressed his delight at being part of the momentous occasion, which he described as significant not just for Asaba, but for all who value tradition and leadership.
Professor Azinge, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and respected academic, took the throne following a distinguished career in Nigeria’s legal and academic sectors.
His coronation signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Asaba Kingdom, a community rich in history and cultural heritage.
The grand event attracted well-wishers from across Nigeria, including traditional rulers, government officials, and prominent legal figures.
In a statement signed by the Peter Obi Media Reach Spokesperson, Ibrahim Umar quoted Obi in his speech, Mr. Obi praised Prof. Azinge’s lifetime contributions to law and education, stating, “His elevation to this revered position reflects his exceptional service in both academia and law. His coronation opens a new era for the Asaba Kingdom.”
As the 14th Asagba, Prof. Azinge is expected to lead Asaba with peace, progress, and prosperity, upholding the values that have shaped the kingdom for generations. Many attendees, including Mr. Obi, voiced their confidence in his leadership abilities, applauding his proven track record.
In conclusion, Mr. Obi stated, “It was an honor to witness such a historic event and to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Asaba, along with the exceptional leadership of Prof. Azinge. I wish him a successful and prosperous reign, filled with peace and progress for his people.”
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