The Senate has passed the bill for an act to amend the 2023 Appropriation Act to extend the implementation period from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
The Senate additionally approved a bill to modify the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act, extending the implementation period from December 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
This decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the capital of the nation.
‘Judges Confirmation’
During the plenary session, the Senate officially endorsed the appointment of 11 Justices to the Supreme Court.
Among the newly confirmed judges is Justice Haruna Tsammani (North-East), who previously presided over the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court. Other confirmed justices include Moore Adumein (South-South), Jummai Sankey (North-Central), Chidiebere Uwa (South-East), Chioma Nwosu-Iheme (South-East), and more.
The senators engaged in a debate before confirming the justices, advocating for an increase in the judiciary budget and expressing concerns about the inappropriateness of leaving a vacancy in the Supreme Court for an extended period before making appointments.
The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, led by Senator Tahir Munguno, screened all 11 nominees on Wednesday and presented the report of the exercise to the lawmakers. Subsequently, approval was granted after the Senate transitioned into the committee of the whole.
Thursday’s confirmation follows the endorsement by the National Judicial Council and President Bola Tinubu’s letter to the lawmakers, requesting their confirmation.