Jonathan appoints Bello as new FCT CJ

The Punch - Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday forwarded the nomination of Justice Ishaq Bello for screening and confirmation for appointment as the Chief Judge, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Bello has been occupying the position in acting capacity following the voluntary retirement of former CJ, Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar, from service on March 31.
But Jonathan in his  letter dated May 21 and addressed to the Senate President, David Mark, said his request was in line with Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the composition of a Federal High Court.
The letter read by Mark during plenary, noted that, “the Constitution provides that the Federal High Court shall consist of a Chief Judge and such number of Judges as may be prescribed by Act of the National Assembly.”
It added that due to the voluntary retirement of Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar from service on March 31 as the Chief Judge of the High Court, FCT, the National Judicial Commission  recommended the appointment of the most senior judge at the High Court of the FTC.