President Goodluck Jonathan has sent a written request to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Justice Ishaq Usman Bello as the Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Jonathan’s request was contained in a letter dated May 21 and addressed to the President of the Senate, David Mark.
According to Jonathan, his request was in line with Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the composition of a Federal High Court.
The first paragraph read: “Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, provides that the Federal High Court shall consist of a Chief Judge, and such number of judges as may be prescribed by Act of the National Assembly. In this connection, Hon. Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar, the Chief Judge of the High Court, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has retired voluntary from service on the 31st March, 2015.”
Following the above situation, the National Judicial Council (NJC), as empowered by Section 250(1), had recommended the appointment of the most senior judge at the High Court of the FCT.
“In line with the constitutional requirement, the National Judicial Council has recommended Honourable Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, the most senior judge at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for appointment as the Chief Judge, High Court the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In this connection, I attach herewith, a copy of the letter CJN/PFRN/A.1/11/527 of 20th May, 2015 from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council.
“I have accepted the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and in accordance with Section 250(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which states that the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. I hereby present the nomination of Honourable Justice Ishaq Usman Bello for confirmation by the Senate.”
Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday passed the Bill for the establishment of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall into law.
The passage came following presentation of report of the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Environment and Ecology on the bill.
Leading debate on the bill, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, stated that the executive Bill seeks to establish the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.