Bauchi NBA opposes gender-based allocation in judges’ appointment plan
Nigerian Bar Association Calls for Review of Judge Appointments in Bauchi
BAUCHI, Nigeria — The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has formally requested that Governor Bala Mohammed reassess the proposed appointment of seven new High Court judges in Bauchi State, citing concerns over gender-based segregation in the recruitment process.
During a press briefing, Rabiu Garba, chairman of the NBA Bauchi Branch, expressed the association’s apprehension regarding a public notice from the Bauchi State Judicial Service Commission. The notice indicated an allocation of five positions for female candidates and two for male candidates.
![Sowore reveals next line of action after being sent to prison [VIDEO]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Omoyele-soworee.jpg "Sowore reveals next line of action after being sent to prison [VIDEO]")
Garba referenced the notice, identified as BAS/JSC/S/APP/3/VOL.III, dated April 27, 2026, noting that it has sparked significant concern among association members due to its explicit gender specifications.
He argued that this arrangement violates Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, ethnicity, religion, or other statuses. The matter was addressed in-depth during an emergency congress held on May 15, 2026, at the Bauchi Bar Centre, where members articulated their objections.
While the NBA commended Justice Rabi Talatu Umar, Chief Judge of Bauchi State and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, for securing seven judicial positions, they emphasized the necessity for the appointment process to align with constitutional mandates and principles of fairness.
The congress concluded that judicial appointments should focus on integrity, competence, and capability rather than gender. The NBA also advocated for a transparent and inclusive recruitment process as per Section 271(3) of the Constitution, urging the commission to ensure equal opportunities for qualified candidates from both public and private sectors.
The association believes that broadening the recruitment process to all qualified legal practitioners would enhance the judiciary and facilitate the selection of the most competent candidates.
Furthermore, the NBA appealed to the Judicial Service Commission to revisit the recruitment process to align with its resolutions, promoting fairness and upholding the rule of law. The association stated it expects a positive response from the commission, warning that further actions may be taken if its concerns remain unaddressed.
