Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem
By M. Peter – Jos
The appointment of Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Acting President of of the Court of Appeal has caused jubilation in different circles in Plateau state.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem hails from Plateau state.
Women groups as well as individuals are sharing congratulatory messages on the social media and other platforms.
Some of the women said that the appointment is coming at the time women are set to celebrate the International Women’s Day.
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The Governor of Plateau state, Simon Lalong, has described Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem’s appointment
as “well deserved”.
The Governor said in a message that Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has “impeccable record of performance in the Judiciary over many years.”
Lalong said he had no doubt that Justice Dongban will “discharge her new responsibility with the highest decorum, professionalism, diligence and patriotism so as to add value to the second highest court in the land.”
A message by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Makut Macham said, “We in Plateau State are extremely proud of this feat by one of our daughter who has given her best in the service of Nigeria and in the dispensing justice to all manner of people without fear or favour.
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“We have no doubt that she will excel in this huge responsibility and demonstrate the true Plateau spirit of honesty, fairness and fear of God. We shall uphold her in prayers.”
The Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Justice of Nigeria for their recommendation and approval in line with constitutional provisions and judicial tradition.
Again, State Coordinator, W4W,He4She, Dr. Jophia Gupar, said Plateau women are very excited with the appointment and prayed God’s grace for the appointee to give her best in her new assignment.
It will be recalled that President Buhari approved the appointment of Justice Dongban for an initial period of three 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.
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Justice Dongban-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 Dongban-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.
