By Daniel Tyokua
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has said a strong and independent judiciary remain key to the preservation of justice and protection of citizens’ rights.
He stated this during his remarks at the commencement of the new legal year 2023/2024 ceremony in Abuja, on Monday.
Wike urged the judiciary to live up to the trust the public has in it because Nigerians have tremendous faith in the decisions of the Court.
He said the judiciary remains a bastion of justice and an arbiter of disputes to maintain stability, peace, and progress throughout the country.
The minister said FCT was fully committed to implementing certain reforms that will not only restore the glory of the territory 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,”.
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 endeavor,” he said.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Monica Dongban-Mensem, in her speech expressed concerns over the impact of electoral litigation on Nigeria.
She said, “it is becoming economically alarming that the entire Nigerian judicial system is inundated with electoral litigation and adjudication almost all year round.”
Dongban-Mensem pointed out that a large number of trial court judges were engaged for six months “in the exclusive management of electoral cases” at the detriment of regular suits in their courts.
Highlighting one of the implications of election litigation on the country, the jurist said, “industrial disputes and land matters which when determined in good time could create jobs and release cash flow into the economy are tied down in court registries.”
She advised politicians to imbibe the spirit of good sportsmanship “in the interest of our national economic development.”
Dongban-Mensem called for internal (party) democracy, adding that “all elections need not end up in court.”
The president of the appellate court, 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.
