The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko (Benue- North Central) and Hon. Justice Amina A. Augie(Kebbi- North West) as Justices of the Supreme Court. Their confirmation came after the Senate considered and adopted the report of its committee on Judiciary, Human Right and Legal Matters on Tuesday 18th October 2016.
Chair of the Committee, Sen. David Umaru (APC:Niger) stated that the committee examined the curriculum vitae, security clearance as well as other supporting documents of both Justices and found after their screening, that both are versatile and erudite Justices who have contributed immensely to the development of the law and justice system through judgments and rulings, as well as seminar presentations and publications. He noted also that the committee was satisfied of the integrity, suitability, competence and qualifications of Hon. Justice Ejembi Eko and Hon. Justice Amina Augie as fit and proper persons for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.
Sen. Umaru elucidated further that their appointments became necessary following the retirement of Hon. Justice J.A Fabiyi, CON, CFR (North Central) and Hon. Justice M.S. Muntaka-Coomasie (North West), who retired in November 2015 and February 2016 respectively, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of Seventy (70)
He also gave the current composition of the Supreme Court Justices, which he explained reflected the Federal Character principle as enshrined in the Constitution. It includes the newly confirmed Justice Ejembi and Amina.
- North East 3 North West 3
- North Central 3 South East 3
- South West 3 South South 2
It is instructive to note that the Senate used electronic voting in the confirmation of Justices Ejembi and Amina as Justices of the Supreme Court.
