Abuja-based lawyers have commended President Bola Tinubu for the efforts made so far to address critical challenges in the justice system and enhance the Nigerian judiciary.

Speaking on Mr Tinubu’s first anniversary as president, they listed the efforts his government has made to reposition the judiciary to include a full complement of 21 justices of the Supreme Court as required by law for the first time after many years and his approval of “a substantial increase in the salaries and emoluments of judges.”

A senior advocate, Mohammed Ndarani, said that appointing the 21 Justices of the Supreme Court Bench would improve efficient justice delivery, tackle the backlog of cases more efficiently, and ensure timely justice delivery for the citizens.

”The appointment of 21 Justices to the Supreme Court bench as required by law demonstrates the President’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary and ensuring its effectiveness and independence. The Supreme Court of Nigeria is established by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by virtue of its Section 230(1), and the same constitution stipulates that the justices of the court shall not exceed 21 at any given time.

”With a full composition of justices on the bench of the Supreme Court, the court can tackle its backlog of cases more efficiently and ensure timely justice delivery for the citizenry,” he said.

A legal practitioner, Kalu Chukwuemeka, said appointing new justices would help ensure the timely dispensation of justice.

“If you want to tame corruption and do not improve the welfare of supporting staff, it would still be there, more should be done in that angle. Kudos to President Tinubu because previous administrations have not deemed it fit to do anything for the judges,” he said.

Also, a Lagos-based lawyer, Ijekhuemen, described the appointment of the justices as “a positive development for easy and quicker dispensation of justice.”

She said that before now, the apex court was left with 10 justices after Justice Centus Nweze’s death and the retirements of Justices Amina Augie and Dattijo Muhammad.

“As you know, justice delayed is justice denied,” she said.

The lawyer said the current administration had made history by ensuring that the Supreme Court, for the first time, has the full complement of 21 justices required by law.

On the approval of judges’ salaries and emoluments, lawyer Yusuf Baba said it takes a leader with willpower to drive growth and development in any sector.

Mr Baba recalled that the last time the Supreme Court bench came very close to achieving its full complement was in 2020, when eight appellate court justices were elevated to join 12 of their brother justices on the apex court bench.

“Unfortunately, the bench since 2021 took a steady nosedive from 20 justices to 10 justices,” he said.

He attributed the depletion to mandatory retirement and death of some justices in the last three years, without a commensurate appointment to fill vacant positions despite the unbearable working conditions at the apex court.

(NAN)