The Senate on Wednesday expressed concern over the delay in the appointment of justices for the Supreme Court bench.
The Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, spoke during the screening of 11 justices recommended for the apex court.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had asked the Red Chamber to confirm the 11 nominees recommended by the National Judicial Council to fill the vacant positions following the deaths and resignations of some justices.
Currently, the Supreme Court operates with only 10 justices, falling short of the statutory requirement of 21 justices.
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The Senate leader said it was important that those who are next in line be screened and appointed immediately as the vacancies occur at the apex court.
Speaking before the screening session went into closed door, Tahir Monguno, the chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, 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 in the judiciary, which the Senate was addressing in the 2024 budget.
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.
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