Posted by From Alifa Daniel on
IN a novel move aimed at enhancing the status of women in the country's judiciary, President Olusegun Obasanjo has nominated a female judge of the Appeal Court, Justice Aloma M. Muktar, as a Supreme Court Justice.
IN a novel move aimed at enhancing the status of women in the country's judiciary, President Olusegun Obasanjo has nominated a female judge of the Appeal Court, Justice Aloma M. Muktar, as a Supreme Court Justice.
She is the first female in the history of the nation's judiciary to be nominated to the apex court. Her name and three others have been sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Speaking on the issue, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Oserhiemen Osunbor, described Muktar's nomination as a "welcome development".
Other nominees from the Court of Appeal who are replacements for the justices recently retired from the highest court are justice W.S.N. Onnogen from Cross River State, who takes over the South-South geopolitical zone seat following the retirement from the Supreme Court of Justice Samson Uwaifo from Edo State.
Justice Mahmud Mohammed from Taraba State occupies the North East geopolitical zone slot vacated following the retirement of Justice Uthman Mohammed. Justice I.F. Ogbuagu from Abia State in the South-East geopolitical zone takes over from another retiree from the apex court, Justice Ignatius Iguh.
Justice Muktar, the first female judge to be nominated for the Supreme Court seat is from Kano State.
Osunbor said yesterday on phone that the landmark nomination of Muktar would engender gladness from many, especially the female populace.
"For many years after the Beijing Conference in China, the world has become more conscious of the role of women and the need for recognising their contribution, especially in government. I think this is one of the Federal Government's response to that," Osunbor added.
He said that Justice Muktar was by all account deserving of her appointment based on her record of performance on the bench.
"She is a highly accomplished judge," he said.
Osunbor confirmed that his committee had received the report referred to it last Tuesday, adding that work on the screening of nominees would commence within the week.`