*Body of Benchers Appoints Six Life Benchers, Two Benchers
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Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN has assumed the mantle of leadership as the new Chairman of the prestigious Body of Benchers, succeeding Justice Mary Odili whose tenure has come to an end. The transition occurred during yestreday’s meeting of the elite body governing the legal profession in Nigeria.
In a related development, the Body of Benchers appointed six of its esteemed members as Life Benchers, a coveted distinction within the legal fraternity. Among those elevated to this status are Justice C. N. Uwa of the Supreme Court, Chief Emeka Ngige SAN, Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Mr. Paul Usoro SAN. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Mr. Mela Nunghe SAN were also appointed as Benchers.
However, the Appointments Committee expressed concerns over its inability to process 17 nominees for appointment as Benchers due to a legal cap of 20 members in that category. The committee emphasized the need for an amendment to the Body of Benchers Regulations to overcome this limitation and allow for the recommendation of more aspirants for appointment as Benchers.
In his acceptance speech, Awomolo humbly attributed his appointment to the goodwill of the legal profession’s noblest members and their commitment to upholding the rule of law. He commended Justice Odili for her inclusive leadership style and consensus-building approach during her tenure.
Looking ahead, Awomolo acknowledged the tasks that lie before the Body of Benchers, particularly in light of the proposed amendments to Nigeria’s Constitution and the Legal Practitioners Act.
He expressed grave concern over reports of an alteration to the Constitution that would grant Governors the prerogative to appoint, discipline, and remove judicial officers in the States, warning that such a move poses a severe threat to the independence of the Judiciary and could set it back to the pre-1999 era.
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