Senate confirms Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of Appeal Court

TRACKING___Hon. Justice Dongban-Mensem has been confirmed as President of the Court of Appeal by the Senate on Thursday.

Her confirmation followed the Senate consideration of the report of the Senate Committee in Judiciary, Human Right and Legal Matters, Chaired by Senator, Michael Bamidele (APC).

The committee had told the Senate that Justice Mensem has the experience and requisite competencies to Preside over the Court of Appeal and deliver justice to the people.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC – Ekiti Central) while reading the report of the committee said that the nominee “has the experience, comportment, exposure and possesses the requisite leadership qualities of a Judicial Officer to effectively run the Court of Appeal.”

In his remark, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan while congratulating the nominee on her confirmation, pointed out that there was a need for urgent reforms in the Judiciary. And urged her to carry out reforms where she identifies the need for such action to better the services of the Court of Appeal.

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The President of the Senate pledged the support of the National Assembly to the Court of Appeal as it carries out its mandate.

“Let me join all our colleagues who contributed or commented on the report of the Committee, and of course, the extolling of the virtues of the nominee.

“Judiciary needs a lot of reforms. The National Assembly, and Senate, in particular, is available at all times to provide the legislative support and interventions that will be necessary for the reforms.”

According to Lawan, “the Justice system in this country must protect the weakest, particularly amongst us. That is the essence without prejudice to those who are very powerful.”

Justice Mensem was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari in line with the practice for a new President of the Court of Appeal following the opening on the exit of Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.