Buhari seeks Senate nod for two new Supreme Court justices …as lawmakers condemn DSS invasion of judges' homes

Nigerian News:President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Senate, seeking legislative approval for the nomination of two judges to the Supreme Court.

The nominees are Justice Sidi Baje (Nasarawa State/North-Central) and Justice Paul Galinje (Taraba State/North-East).

Buhari's letter was read to lawmakers by the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, during the plenary on Tuesday.

The letter read, 'In conformity with Section 231 Subsection 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which gives the President powers to appoint a Justice of the Supreme Court, acting on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation of the appointment by the Senate. I have the honour to forward the undermentioned names for confirmation as Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.'

Saraki, after reading the letter, forwarded it to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for consideration.

The committee is to report to the Senate in two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday condemned in very strong terms, the draconian invasion of the homes, subsequent arrest and detention of serving judges by the Department of State Security Service, DSS without recognizing the constitutional responsibility of the National Judicial Council, NJC.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics and member, Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and legal Matters, Senator Joshua Lidani, PDP, Plateau Central, who spoke under matters of urgent National importance, however brought the issue of the arrest of the judges which happened weekend before the senate during plenary.

The Senate also mandated its committee on Judiciary, human rights and legal matters to review all existing laws establishing security agencies and report back in four weeks.

In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Senate was in full support of the fight against corruption, adding that the government must ensure that the war on corruption was done within the rule of law.