By NAOMI SHARANG

The Body of Benchers, currently chaired by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), has confirmed the Leader of the Senate, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, life member of the prestigious body.

Also confirmed were human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and 13 other prominent legal practitioners.

This is contained in statement signed by Bamidele?s Directorate of Media and Public Affairs in Abuja on Sunday.

The statement said that the body also confirmed the Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage.

Others were Retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Ejembi Eko, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in persons in Africa, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo (SAN).

According to the statement, with the newly confirmed life benchers, the total number of life benchers in the country has now risen to 170.

?This is a cap set for the next five years before new life members will be admitted into the body of practitioners of the highest distinction in the legal profession.

?The elevation of the new life benchers is obviously in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the development of legal profession in the country, and for upholding integrity and excellence,? it said.

According to the statement, Bamidele was first appointed into the Body of Benchers in 2019.

?His tenure as the Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters witnessed remarkable reforms, working closely with the leadership of both the judicial and executive arms of the government.

?There was greater attention to the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers and staff through increased budgetary provisions to the Judiciary.

?The bill for the increase in the retirement age of judicial officers from 65 to 70 was also passed by the legislature and assented to by the executive,? it said. (NAN)

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