The National Assembly expresses dissatisfaction with the judiciary’s longstanding tradition of granting indefinite tenures to heads of superior court in Nigeria.
Traditionally, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Appeal Court President maintain their positions until reaching the retirement age.
Judicial officers starting their careers early can lead a court indefinitely unless they receive a promotion to a higher court.
In some cases, misconduct may lead to the removal of heads of courts from their positions while serving.
The group comprises the Chief Judge of the Federal High Courts and the President of the National Industrial Court.
The Chief Judges from 36 states, the Grand Khadi of the Sharia Courts, and Customary Court President also participate.
This practice starkly contrasts with the legislature and executive branches, where leaders have fixed terms.
The 1999 Constitution mandates that executive and legislative leaders serve four-year terms, unless removed due to misconduct.
In contrast, heads of superior courts are appointed, serving without a fixed term limit specified in the Constitution.
In response to this situation, the National Assembly plans to amend the Constitution to limit CJN to a five-year term.
Lawmakers argue that establishing fixed tenures for judiciary leaders will improve service efficiency and motivate judicial officers.
This change aims to prevent the prolonged tenure of Judiciary heads.
Legislators are examining Section 230 of the 1999 Constitution, which established a single Supreme Court for the country.
They contend that it is essential to create divisions of the Supreme Courts across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
This would enhance access to justice, reduce logistical costs, and ensure timely resolution of cases at the highest court.
Legislative talks have begun in the National Assembly’s lower chambers, driven by two bills from Mansur Manu Soro.
The first bill, aimed at amending the Constitution to establish tenured appointments for heads of courts at both federal and state levels, has successfully passed its first reading.
The second bill aims to amend the Constitution, establishing five divisions of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, and has passed initial reading.
