Senate has confirmed Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as the President of the Court of Appeal, it emerged on Thursday.
President Buhari had on Tuesday sent a letter to the Senate to request the approval of the nomination of Justice Dongban-Mensem as the PCA.
It would be recalled that Senate President Ahmad Lawan received the letter which was read at plenary on Wednesday, saying the confirmation of the judge would be expedited to avoid ‘a constitutional crisis’.
She was confirmed after a report about her competence for the position was presented by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, chairman of the committee on judiciary and legal matters.
According to Bamidele;
The committee interviewed her and received explanation about her career. The appointment of the nominee satisfies the requirements of the constitution as amended. Having screened the nominee and satisfied with her competence, the committee do recommend the confirmation of Monica Dongban-Mensem as the president of the court of appeal.
He stated that;
The nominee is a fit and proper person for appointment as the President of the Court of Appeal. The Committee recommends that the Senate do confirm the nomination of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem as Honourable President of the Court of Appeal.
Senator Ike Ekweramdu congratulated the nominee, saying women are making progress in the scheme of things.
He noted that;
This is because Justice Mendem is succeeding a woman who served and retired in the same capacity.
Ekweremadu urged the new President of the Court of Appeal to join forces with others to carry out reforms in the justice system especially in election matters.
Dongban-Mensem has been acting as head of the appellate court since the retirement of Zainab Bulkachuwa in March.
