The Federal Government has been urged by the House of Representatives to appoint nine additional justices to the Supreme Court in order to expedite the hearing and resolution of cases, ensuring effective and efficient justice delivery in Nigeria.
This resolution was reached during a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance put forth by Patrick Umoh, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Akwa-Ibom.
Umoh highlighted the current shortage of justices in the apex court, stating that the number has dropped to an unprecedented low of 11, leaving a deficit of 10 justices from the constitutional provision of 21 justices.
He further emphasized that the Supreme Court’s docket is already filled for the year 2023, with parties unable to secure hearing dates for cases filed within the same year, except for election petitions. This backlog is a result of the overwhelming volume of pending matters before the court.
The non-appointment of new justices to the Supreme Court has had detrimental effects on the expeditious, effective, and efficient delivery of justice, thereby impeding transactions and hindering economic development.
Umoh expressed concern that this situation has also limited access to justice for citizens and placed significant mental and physical pressure on the current justices of the court. Additionally, it has affected the court’s ability to effectively carry out its policy-making function.
The motion praised President Buhari for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting the judiciary. It also commended him for signing into law the constitutional alteration that unified the retirement age and pension benefits of judicial officers.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives, in adopting the motion, has mandated its Committee on Federal Judiciary to ensure compliance with the resolution.
