JUST IN: Senate confirms Justice Dongban-Mensem Court of Appeal President

Senate, on Thursday confirmed Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as President of the Court of Appeal following a satisfactory screening report by the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi said that the nominee was screened in line with the mandate to ascertain issues that were relevant in overseeing the Court of Appeal.

In the report, Opeyemi said, Justice Dongban-Mensem was the most senior judge in the hierarchy of justices as at the time President Muhammadu Buhari nominated her.

He said her qualification and judicial career was inquired and found competent, noting that she should be confirmed.

Part of the report stated: “That the Senate do receive and consider the report on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters on the confirmation and nomination of Hon. Justice Monica. B. Dongban-Mensem for appointment as Hon. President of the Court of Appeal.”

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu in his contribution cherished the doggedness of female judges, saying that they have woken up in recent times.

Ekweremadu said: “I rise to congratulate the nominee for the appointment, particularly that as a female justice taking over from another female retiring judge.

“On this., I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the finest decision in the appointment of a female judge as President of the Court of Appeal.

Ekweremadu counselled the nominee to ensure a harmonious judgement of the Courts of Appeal, adding that contradictory judgement tends to bring the judiciary into disrepute.

“Our female partners are doing well and I advise her to ensure some level of consistency in judgement coming from the Federal Court of Appeal especially on election matters.

“You are aware that a judgement of a Court of Appeal is not bound by another Court of Appeal, hence, I urge the new Court of Appeal President to see how this contradiction can be harmonized.

After similar contributions by other lawmakers, she was confirmed by the Senate.

In his remarks, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan commended the Committee for a thorough job.

He was optimistic that Nigeria’s judiciary, especially the Court of Appeal would witness sound judicial activities.