…pledges to address accommodation challenge for Justices in FCT
NOSA EGHAGHA
ABUJA, Nigeria – Ahead of the numerous election appeals before the Court of Appeal, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, has called on the judiciary to live up to the trust the public has in it.
The minister made the call at the 2023/2024 Legal Year Ceremony of the Court of Appeal, in Abuja.
He said that Nigerians would continue to rely on the judiciary as a bastion of justice and an arbiter of disputes, describing it as critical to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
He reiterated FCT’s commitment to implementing reforms that would not only restore the glory of the FCT, but also make it a source of pride for every Nigerian.
“And as we diligently work towards realizing this vision of rejuvenating the FCT, we implore the judiciary to also stand beside us in this quest. Your Lordships, we recognize that a strong and independent judiciary is pivotal to the preservation of justice, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the overall well-being of our society.
“Therefore, we are resolute in our determination to provide the necessary support to ensure the efficient functioning of the Court. We are not unaware of some of the challenges confronting the justices of this Honourable Court in the FCT, especially the problems associated with their accommodation. We will look closely at this matter and see how it can best be mitigated,” he said.
According to Wike, the Legal Year celebration is not just a ceremonial milestone; but it is a testament to the enduring commitment of Nigeria’s legal fraternity to the pursuit of justice and the upholding of the rule of law.
“There is no doubt that the previous legal year has been tasking and demanding due to the numerous pre-election matters which gave birth to appeals from interlocutory decisions and final decisions of the Federal High Courts. This year might not be different in view of the numerous pending Election Appeals.
“By virtue of Section 246(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), this court is the final Court for appeals arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunals.
“This implies that a lot of industry is required while hearing and determining these appeals. The public has tremendous faith in the decisions of this Court and the Court has a responsibility to live up to that trust. I wish you well in this endeavour,” he said.
Wike also promised to address accommodation challenge faced by justices in the federal capital, Abuja.
“We are not unaware of some of the challenges confronting the justices of this honourable court in the FCT, especially the problem associated with their accommodation.
“We will look closely at this matter to see how it can be best mitigated,” the minister said.
Earlier, the president of the appellate court, Dongban-Mensen, disclosed that a total of 39,526 appeal cases were pending at the court as of August 31, and that the figure adds to the pending 34,037 cases in the 2021/2022 legal year.
She assured the public that the court would continue to discharge its responsibilities by ensuring that appeals were heard timeously with utmost dedication, commitment, and diligence.
On his part, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, promised that Tinubu’s administration would address the issue of the shortage of justices at the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.
