The Federal Judicial Service Commission has recommended 12 Judges for elevation as justices of the Court of Appeal.
A document by the FJSC obtained and released to Sahara Reporters by human rights activist and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu disclosed the development.
In the document, the FJSC in exercise of its constitutional roles, recommended 12 candidates to the NJC for elevation as Justices of the Court of Appeal.
The recommendation follows the initial communication of 48 candidates from the President of the Court of Appeal for the recommendation of 12 individuals to fill the vacancies.
Judges who made the 12-man shortlist as priority candidates include;
- Bayelsa State: Hon. Justice Raphael Ajuwa
- Benue State: Hon. Justice Ijohor M. Jennifer
- Cross River State: Hon. Justice Abua Elias Ojie
- Ebonyi State: Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite
- Ekiti State: Hon. Justice Abodunde M. Oluwatoyin
- Gombe State: Hon. Justice Abdulhameed M. Yakubu
- Katsina State: Hon. Justice Sanusi Kado
- Kebbi State: Hon. Justice Sabiu Bala Shuaibu
- Ogun State: Hon. Justice James K. Omotosho
- Ondo State: Hon. Justice Ademola Enikuomehin
- Plateau State: Hon. Justice Veronica Julcit Dadom
- Taraba State: Hon. Justice Dauda Njane Buba
The National Judicial Council NJC headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, will consider the recommendation and forward the final nominees to the President for appointment.
Unlike the nomination to the Supreme Court Bench where Senate confirmation is necessary, the decision by the President is final for Court of Appeal appointments.