The Senate has concluded the screening exercise for the nomination of Hon Justice Oyewole Joseph Olubunmi Kayode, as a Justice of the Supreme Court, with proceedings conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu had written to the Senate seeking the confirmation of Olubunmi Oyewole as Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the screening, the senate committee Chairman on Judiciary, Human rights and Legal matters, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire assured Nigerians that the screening exercise followed all the due processes, void of secrecy “ The screening exercise was thorough and transparent. Prior to the session, the nominee’s curriculum vitae was circulated to all members, who reviewed and assessed the document in advance. During the screening, members asked relevant and substantive questions, to which the nominee responded satisfactorily and with clear demonstration of competence and experience”
The Senator also noted that the absence of controversy during the exercise should not be misconstrued as undue alignment with the executive arm of government or political considerations. “The process of appointing a Justice of the Supreme Court is constitutionally defined and begins with a rigorous evaluation by the National Judicial Council (NJC). This process examines candidates based on experience, years on the bench, judicial conduct, performance, and professional integrity.
“Following this evaluation, the NJC forwards its recommendations—along with detailed assessments and scoring—to the President, who then makes a nomination to the Senate for confirmation. These NJC reports are also made available to the Senate to guide its deliberations, ensuring that confirmations are based on merit and due process rather than conjecture.”
The lawmaker emphasized that democracy does not require the legislature to oppose the executive as a matter of routine. “Where a nominee meets constitutional and legal requirements and no breach of law is established, it is the duty of the Senate to uphold such nominations in the national interest.”
On the broader issue of judicial performance, he cautions against sweeping conclusions based solely on dissatisfaction with court judgments. Litigation naturally produces winners and losers, and allegations of injustice should be evaluated on the basis of facts, legal processes, and evidence, rather than sentiment or speculation. While acknowledging that errors may occasionally occur, such instances should be regarded as exceptions and not the norm.
Niyi reaffirmed that the committee is committed to upholding the rule of law, judicial independence, and constitutional governance.