By Beautide
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall legislative council on Saturday 16th September 2023, conducted the ratification of new judges as members of the judicial council and the ratification of a new co-opted member of the legislative.
In the sitting which was held as the Junior Common Room, JCR, the members of the house opened proceedings with the ratification and inauguration of Mr. Adegoke damilare, as a new co-opted member of the assembly representing D block constituency.
The meeting then transitioned to the inauguration of the Judicial Council, an essential body in ensuring justice within Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall.
One of the nominees Mr. Sunmisola Olude faced a series of questions during this phase. One noteworthy query was whether Mr. Olude would uphold justice even if his best friend were involved in an unlawful act such as assault. His response, expressing his commitment to justice, was followed by a reminder from Hon. Okechukwu Victor that justice must always be served impartially.
The motion to ratify Mr. Sunmisola Olude as a member of the Judicial Council (Judge) was put forward by Hon. Odunukan Damife, seconded by Hon. Adetunji Samson, and countered by Hon. Sodiq Hassan. The counter-motion prompted Mr. Sunmisola Olude to explain the principal members of the Judicial Council and their functions.
Mr. Osuji JohnPaul, a non-law student, was then questioned about his knowledge of the Judicial Council and his contributions to it. He pledged to interpret the law in a manner accessible to the average person, explaining why a non-law student was chosen to serve. Hon. Okechukwu moved the motion to ratify Mr. Osuji JohnPaul as a Judge, which was accepted.
During the meeting, a motion was made to take a brief 5-minute recess. After the recess, Mr. Aderibigbe Simeon Light, the last judicial nominees, was ushered to the podium for ratification. He was asked about the Chief Justice of Nigeria, and he correctly identified Mr. Oluwakayode Ariwoola. The motion to ratify Mr. Simeon Light as the Chief Judge of the Judicial Council, Zik Hall, was proposed by Hon. Odunukan Damife but countered by Hon. Okechukwu Victor. A series of questions followed, with Mr. Simeon Light responding adequately. Hon. Odunukan Damife reintroduced the motion to ratify Mr. Simeon Light as the Chief Judge, seconded by Hon. Sodiq Hassan, ultimately leading to his ratification.
Before adjournment, members raised concerns about plumbing and lighting issues in the hall. Hon. Hassan and Hon. Sotomi Daniel highlighted plumbing problems, while Hon. Abdulsamad addressed lighting issues on his floor.
