JUST IN: Buhari approves appointment of Justice Dongban Mensem as Acting Appeal Court President

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Justice Dongban Mensem as Acting President of the Court of Appeal.

Justice Mensem would be stepping in to act in the capacity for three months, following the retirement of the outgoing President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa (CFR), on March 6, 2020 (Friday).

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the approval of the temporary appointment followed the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal for an initial period of three (3) months, with effect from March 6, 2020, when the incumbent President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, CFR, would statutorily retire from service.

“Justice Mensem, who is the next most senior Judge of the Court of Appeal, will be acting pending when a substantive appointment to the position of the President of the Court of Appeal may be made by President Buhari subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

“The President’s approval of the appointment of Justice Mensem, followed the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria in line with the provisions of Section 238(4) & (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended”, the statement said.