The House of Representatives has passed a resolution, urging the Federal Government to appoint nine new justices to the Supreme Court in order to expedite the hearing and resolution of cases and enhance the efficiency of justice delivery in Nigeria.
This decision follows the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance presented by Patrick Umoh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Akwa-Ibom under the PDP. During the plenary session held in Abuja, Umoh emphasized that the current number of justices in the apex court has decreased to a historic low of 11, which is significantly short of its full complement of 21 justices as stipulated by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Umoh pointed out that the Supreme Court’s docket for the year 2023 is already full, and parties are struggling to secure hearing dates for cases filed within the year, with the exception of election petitions. This backlog is primarily due to the substantial volume of pending cases before the court.
He expressed concern that the failure to appoint new justices to the Supreme Court has hindered the efficient and timely delivery of justice, impeded transactions and economic development, and limited citizens’ access to justice. Additionally, it has subjected the current justices of the court to significant mental and physical pressure, affecting the court’s policy-making functions.
Umoh commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and supporting the judiciary. He also praised the president for signing into law a constitutional alteration that unifies the retirement age and pension benefits of judicial officers.
The House, in adopting the motion, mandated its Committee on Federal Judiciary to ensure that the Federal Government complies with the resolution and takes prompt action to address the issue of Supreme Court justices’ appointments.
