Senate Confirms Justice Baba-Yusuf as FCT Chief Judge

By Sodeinde Temidayo David

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the nomination of Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf as the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last week transmitted a letter to the upper chamber of the National Assembly for the confirmation of Justice Baba-Yusuf for the position.

Mr Buhari had explained in the letter that the nomination of the respected legal practitioner was in accordance with the provision of Section 256(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigerian 1999, as amended.

At the Senate, the nomination of the judge was considered and approved following the recommendations of its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters headed by Mr Opeyemi Bamidele.

While presenting his report on Tuesday, Mr Bamidele said the judge met all the requirements expected of him.

Mr Baba-Yusuf has been holding the position in an acting capacity since August and is now recognized as the chief judge following the approval.

The development followed the resignation of Mr Salisu Garba as the chief judge of the FCT high court.

The Chief Judge is the highest judicial officer in the state and acts as a chief administrative officer as well as a spokesperson for the judicial branch.

The Chief Judge presides over oral arguments before the court and also has significant agenda-setting power over the court’s meetings.