Absence of South-East, North-Central Justices at Supreme Court Dangerous – Justice Dattijo

In a significant and concerning address during a valedictory court session in his honor at the Supreme Court, Justice Muhammad Dattijo drew attention to the alarming absence of South-East and North-Central justices on the Supreme Court Bench. Justice Dattijo, who recently reached the mandatory retirement age of 70, emphasized the perilous implications of this absence for equitable justice delivery in the nation.

Speaking at the event, Justice Dattijo expressed his apprehension over the lack of representation from these two crucial geo-political zones within the Supreme Court, a situation he deemed hazardous for the fair administration of justice in the country.

As he voiced his concerns, Justice Dattijo pointed out the current election season, which has seen a surge in election-related petitions and appeals flooding the Election Tribunals and appellate courts. He stressed that the Supreme Court serves as the final arbiter in presidential, gubernatorial, and national assembly election appeals, making its role pivotal in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

However, the retiring justice lamented that only ten justices remain to adjudicate these critical matters at the Supreme Court. Justice Dattijo underscored the severe risk this poses to the country’s democracy, highlighting the urgent need for representation from the South-East and North-Central regions on the bench of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Justice Dattijo’s remarks shed light on a pressing issue that has implications not only for the legal system but also for the overall democratic process in Nigeria, prompting calls for action to address this imbalance and ensure a more diverse and representative Supreme Court.