Why There’s Delay in Inauguration of New Supreme Court Justices

On December 21, 2023, the Nigerian Senate approved a list of 11 new justices for the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The delay in their inauguration, nearly two months after Senate confirmation, has raised questions about the reasons behind the hold-up.

The nominees, recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and appointed by President Bola Tinubu, received Senate approval as per constitutional requirements. The appointed justices, representing various regions, were expected to fill vacant seats and bring the Supreme Court’s total count to 21 for the first time since 1999.

Vanguard’s Law & Human Rights investigation reveals that the delay stems from challenges in providing necessary working tools, particularly cars and accommodation, for the new justices. The Supreme Court aims to avoid a repeat of past controversies, ensuring a seamless transition for the appointees.

According to an anonymous source at the Supreme Court, the delay is intentional to address issues related to the provision of working tools. The source highlighted the tradition of providing three assorted brand new cars to new justices, citing past discrepancies in fulfilling this tradition.

Apart from cars, accommodation remains a significant hurdle. The Supreme Court, having a full complement of 21 justices for the first time, is in the process of acquiring suitable apartments for the newly appointed justices.

While progress is being made on acquiring accommodation, the exact date for the justices’ inauguration remains uncertain. The Supreme Court has not provided official statements on the matter, and concerns persist over the workload crisis due to the existing shortage of justices.

Once inaugurated, the 11 new justices are expected to significantly alleviate the workload crisis faced by the Supreme Court. The additional justices would bring the court to its full complement, addressing the concerns raised by retiring justices and the Chief Justice of Nigeria regarding the overwhelming caseload.

In conclusion, the delay in inaugurating the new Supreme Court justices is attributed to the careful consideration of providing essential working tools, ensuring a smooth and controversy-free transition. The anticipation is that the appointment process will be completed soon, contributing to a more robust and efficient judiciary in Nigeria.