By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
After months of foot-dragging and a scathing criticism by the former military governor of Kaduna State, Col Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (retd), last week, President Muhammadu Buhari has finally forwarded the name of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, to the Senate for confirmation.
The decision of the President was contained in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
“President Muhammadu Buhari, in-line with his constitutional responsibility has sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as President, Court of Appeal.
“Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council for the nomination by the President,” the statement said.
It would be recalled, however, that the appointment and the question of confirmation of Justice Dongban-Mensem had recently stirred public interest, with many insinuating that the President was foot-dragging on her effective confirmation for ethnic or religious reasons.
One of those who took the President up on the development was former military administrator of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, who also accused him of giving lopsided appointments.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Monday declared Friday, June 12, as public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad for entrenching democratic rule in the country.
The Minister commended the heroes of democracy for their dogged determination and sacrifice which eventually birthed Democratic Governance in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Georgina Ehuriah quoted Aregbesola as calling on all Nigerians to continue to cherish the selfless efforts made to attain democracy.
He urged Nigerians to collaborate with the Buhari-led administration to ensure the realization of the democratic ideals which patriots fought for, even at the cost of their lives.
