The National Judicial Council in an Emergency Meeting has recommend to President Muhammadu Buhari, the appointment of Justice Tanko Muhammad, as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.
The Meeting which was initially presided over by Justice Umaru Abdullahi, considered and approved the recommendation of its Interview Committee that screened the two candidates presented by the Federal Judicial Service Commission to it for appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Subsequently, the plenary of the Meeting presided over by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, recommended to the Governors of Sokoto, Lagos, Anambra, Ebonyi, Niger, Taraba, Kano, and Jigawa States, eight (8) successful candidates for appointment as Chief Judges and Grand Kadis for the States.
They are: –
Justice Muhammad Sifawa, Sokoto State High court
Justice Kazeem Alogba. Lagos State High Court
Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, Anambra State High Court
Justice Nwaigwe Anselm, Ebonyi State high Court
Justice Aliyu Mayaki, Niger State High Court
Justice Filibus Andetur, Taraba State High Court
Kadi Tijjani Yakasai, Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano
Kadi Isa Gantsa, Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Jigawa
The newly appointed Heads of Court will be sworn-in after the approval of the President and their respective State Governors and confirmation by the Senate and State Houses of Assembly.
Council at the Meeting commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for his unequivocal position on the financial autonomy for the States Judiciary and called on the various State Executives to as a matter of urgency, commence its immediate implementation.
It posited that this is not only in line with the Constitutional dictates, but presently the Judicial position.
Council also considered notification of retirements of Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judges of Gombe, Edo, Niger, Ebonyi, Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi States as well as 9 other Judicial Officers from the Federal High Court, High Courts of Gombe, Delta, Edo, Imo, Benue and Katsina States.
