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Retiring Justice Dattijo Muhammad raises concerns over the lack of representation from the South-East and North-Central regions in the Supreme Court Bench. In his farewell address at a valedictory court session held by the Supreme Court to mark his retirement, Justice Muhammad emphasizes the need for equitable justice delivery in Nigeria.

As he bows out of the apex court bench after 43 years in the judiciary, Justice Muhammad points out that the current composition of the Supreme Court Bench, with only 10 Justices, leaves out two important regions of the country. Currently, the Supreme Court represents the South-West, South-South, North-West, and North-East regions.

In order to ensure fairness and transparency in appeal cases from lower courts, Justice Dottijo stresses the importance of participation from all geopolitical zones in the hearing process. He warns that the exclusion of two entire regions from decisions that affect all Nigerians is a danger to democracy and equity.

Justice Muhammad also highlights the delay in filling the vacancies in the Supreme Court. Since November 6, 2020, when the Supreme Court reached its full complement of 21 Justices, no replacements have been made for the two vacancies created by the passing of Justice Centus Nweze in July 2023 and the death of Justice Sylvanus Ngwuta from the South-East two years and seven months ago.

With the upcoming election season, where Election Tribunals and appellate courts are flooded with petitions and appeals, the Supreme Court holds the final say in Presidential, Governorship, and National Assembly election appeals. However, with only 10 Justices remaining, the workload and responsibility placed on each Justice may be overwhelming and compromise the effective delivery of justice.

It is imperative that appropriate steps are taken promptly to address these outstanding vacancies and ensure a diverse and balanced representation on the Supreme Court Bench. This will not only uphold the principles of democracy and equity but also strengthen the trust of the Nigerian people in the judiciary.