The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) has asked the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho to split the court into specialised divisions.
Speaking on Monday at a ceremony to mark the commencement of the court’s 2019/2020 legal year in Abuja, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) who spoke on behalf of the body, explained the era of general jurisdiction in one judge was over.
The body anchored their demand on the grounds that specialised divisions of the federal court would lead to increased productivity and “reduce the much talked about delay in the administration of justice arising from unnecessary workload.”
While assessing the public perception of the Nigerian judiciary, the SANs noted with dismay that, “the public perception of the judiciary as reflected in a public poll recently published was not inspiring.
“Justice as we know it is rooted in confidence and there is urgent need to build confidence in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man,” the body said.
On its part, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch, Abuja, said the principle of rule of law had vanished from the judiciary.
In a goodwill message at the occasion, Mr. Clement Chukwuemeka, Chairman, Bwari Branch NBA, accused the executive arm of government of hijacking the courts. “We must reiterate here that the rule of law has evaporated in some of our courts; some courts especially the Federal High Court has been hijacked by the agents of the executive.
“The courts are being used to legalise illegalities,” he said.
The NBA further decried what it termed, “excessive imposition of bail conditions by judges the Federal High Court.
Earlier, the Acting CJ, Justice Tsoho, pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors.
“Attention will be paid to efficient and effective administration of justice and the welfare of judicial officers as well as the supporting staff of this court.
“I will attempt to see that I do even more for the staff, particularly those who have exhibited dedication and hard work,” Justice Tsoho said.
