President Jonathan Nominates Justice Bello As New FCT Chief Judge

SAN FRANCISCO, May 26, (THEWILL) –  President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday nominated Justice Ishaq Bello as the new Chief Judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

President Jonathan, who is due to transfer power to General Muhammadu Buhari this Friday, forwarded the name of the judge, who has been acting as the Chief Judge of the FCT, to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

The former CJ of the FCT, Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar retired from the bench on March 31.

In a letter to the Senate, which was read at Tuesday's plenary, the President said his request was in line with Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the composition of a Federal High Court.

The President also added that Justice Bello was recommended for the position by the National Judicial Commission (NJC), being the most senior judge at the FCT High Court, following the voluntary retirement of Justice Ibrahim M. Bukar.