The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bauchi Branch, has voiced strong opposition to a proposed gender-based allocation in the appointment of seven High Court judges. The association argues that such a classification violates constitutional provisions and fairness principles.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, NBA chairman Rabiu Garba criticized a public notice by the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission that reportedly designates five slots for female candidates and two for male candidates. The notice, numbered BAS/JSC/S/APP/3/VOL.III and issued on April 27, 2026, has sparked widespread concern among legal practitioners.
Garba emphasized that the allocation breaches Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which forbids discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, religion, or other status. The NBA convened an emergency congress on May 15, 2026, at the Bauchi Bar Centre to deliberate on the matter.
While commending the Chief Judge of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, for securing seven judicial positions, the NBA insists that the recruitment process must adhere to constitutional standards. The congress resolved that appointments should prioritize integrity, competence, capacity, and capability over gender.
The association called for a transparent and inclusive process, referencing Section 271(3) of the Constitution, which requires equal opportunities for qualified candidates from both public and private legal sectors. The NBA believes that opening the process to all qualified practitioners will bolster the judiciary and ensure the selection of the most competent individuals.
Furthermore, the NBA urged the Judicial Service Commission to revise its exercise to align with these resolutions, promoting fairness, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining public trust in the judiciary. The association warned that failure to address its concerns might prompt further action.