By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
In an emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council (NJC) held on Wednesday, the council recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari the appointment of Justice I. Tanko Muhammad, CFR, as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).
The meeting, which was initially presided over by Justice Umaru Abdullahi, CON, considered and approved the recommendation of its Interview Committee which screened the two candidates presented by the Federal Judicial Service Commission to the council for appointment as Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Subsequently, the plenary of the meeting presided over by the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice I. Tanko Muhammad, CFR, recommended to the Governors of Sokoto, Lagos, Anambra, Ebonyi, Niger, Taraba, Kano, and Jigawa states, eight successful candidates for appointment as Chief Judges and Grand Kadis for the States.
Hon. Mr. Justice Muhammad S. Sifawa was appointed as the Chief Judge of Sokoto State High Court of Justice
Hon. Mr. Justice Kazeem O. Alogba was appointed as Chief Judge of Lagos State High Court of Justice
Hon. Mr. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu was appointed as the Chief Judge if Anambra Ststr High Court of Justice.
Hon. Mr. Justice Nwaigwe A. Anselm was appointed as the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State High Court of Justice.
Hon. Mr. Justice Aliyu M. Mayaki was appointed as the Chief Judge of Niger State High Court of justice.
Hon. Mr. Justice Filibus B. Andetur was appointed as the Chief Judge of Taraba State High Court of Justice.
Hon. Kadi Tijjani Yusuf Yakasai was appointed as the Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano
Hon. Kadi Isa Jibrin Gantsa was appointed as the Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Jigawa.
In a statement made by NJC Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye, “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 as the case may be”.
According to the statement, the Council at the Meeting also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for his unequivocal position on the financial autonomy for the States Judiciary. Council 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.
Besides, Council also considered notification of retirements of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Chief Judges of Gombe, Edo, Niger, Ebonyi, Acting Chief Judge of Kebbi States as well as those of nine other Judicial Officers from the Federal High Court, High Courts of Gombe, Delta, Edo, Imo, Benue and Katsina states.