At Federal High Court has announced that nine vacancies will be filled on its bench, even though it has a shortfall of 24 judges.
The court had a full 100 judges but now has 76 in all parts of the country.
A statement by the Assistant Director of Information of the Federal High Court, Catherine Christopher, said on Friday, that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, recently approved the appointment of nine judges to the court.
“The Federal High Court of Nigeria wishes to notify all stakeholders and the general public of the appointment of over Nine (9) judges,” the statement read.
The planned appointment of nine new judges, the statement said, is different from the pending exercise for the appointment of 15 judges approved by the CJN.
The statement quoted the Chief Justice of the court, John Tsoho, as a superior court judge, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), “to appoint suitably qualified persons from these countries. appointment to the Bench Federal High Court.”
He added that “all recommendations must reach the Chamber of the Hon. Chief Justice of the Federal High Court on or before February 28, 2023.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu: Federal High Court considers changing court venue
Recently, the Federal Supreme Court has been overburdened by the influx of pre-election suits occasioned by the conferment of exclusive jurisdiction under the new Electoral Act.
With a limited number of judges, the court is struggling to clear nearly 2,000 long-standing pre-election cases.
A total of 24 judges can be added to the court to make the full 100 at the end of the recruitment process conducted in the court.
What determines the number of judges
The chief judge of the court, Mr. Tsoho, has said in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, connected with the proposed number of judges to be appointed for the availability of funds.
In an interview in July 2021, Mr. Tsoho told this newspaper that due to lack of funds, the court could plan to recruit only six judges, even though there are 28 vacancies on the court bench.
“The appointment of judges is a very difficult process; it is tedious because it is intricately connected to funding. If you have to appoint a judge, you provide a courtroom, support staff (registrar, clerk), and security personnel.
“You have to provide a suitable car and accommodation. But considering what the economy is like today, that’s not something that can be done easily.
“Remember, all of this must be done from the court’s budget; no other authority is responsible. The NJC insists that every requirement for the appointment of judges must be on the ground – facilities and everything to check before you proceed with the recruitment,” Mr Tsoho said.
Below is the full statement of the Federal High Court:
PRESS RELEASE
SUSPENSION OF 9 (9) OTHER JUDGES FOR THE FEDERAL HIGH SCHOOL
The Federal High Court of Nigeria wishes to notify all stakeholders and the general public of the appointment of more than Nine (9) Judges.
The Chief Justice of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho OFR, in exercise of his constitutional powers and the consequent approval of the Hon. The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the National Judicial Council Hon. Dr. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola GCON for the appointment of more than Nine (9) Judges, apart from the exercise postponed for the appointment of fifteen (15) Judges previously approved, the exercise for the consideration of Candidates to be able to be appointed to the Bench of the Federal High Court regarding several states will begin quickly. These states include: Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Gombe, Ogun and Oyo.
In line with the NJC Guidelines and Rules of Procedure for the Appointment of Judicial Officers in the High Court, the Chief Justice, hereby invites His Excellency, Hon. The Attorney General of the *Federation* and the Minister of Justice and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association to kindly nominate suitably qualified persons from the said country for appointment to the Federal High Court Bench.
All recommendations must reach the Chamber of Hon. Chief Justice of the Federal High Court on or before February 28, 2023.
enter
Catherine Oby Christopher PhD
Assistant Director Information
Federal High Court of Nigeria
Abuja
January 13, 2023.
Support journalism integrity and credibility PREMIUM TIMES
Good journalism costs a lot of money. But only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, responsible democracy, and transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider making a modest contribution to this noble effort.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help keep journalism relevant and ensure it remains free and available to all.
contribute
AD TEXT: Call Willie – +2348098788999
