Buhari bows to pressure, nominates Dongban-Mensem as Appeal Court President

President Muhammadu Buhari has bowed to pressure by nominating Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as the substantive President of the Appeal Court of Appeal.

Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has been in acting capacity as president of Nigeria’s second-highest court for over three months following allegations that Buhari didn’t want her because of her religious affiliation.

Rather than send the name, Buhari had on May 29 approved the extension of the appointment of Dongban-Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA).

A statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said: “President Muhammadu Buhari, in-line with his constitutional responsibility has sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as President, Court of Appeal.

“Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council for the nomination by the President,’’ the statement added.