OSAS EMMANUEL
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Wednesday tasked judges of Federal High Court (FHC), to deliver judgements and decisions that would not be faulted at the appellate courts.
“Strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time especially judgments that would not be over turned by Appellate Courts.”
CJN gave the charge while declaring open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
Justice Ariwoola stressed that the need for sound judgments and decisions from the Federal High Court are essential been not only the largest and best in the country, but the only Court that has exclusive originating jurisdiction over election related matters in the country.
The CJN said it is therefore imperative tha Judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria should not take their individual appointments to the bench of the Court for granted for whatever reason.
He warned the judges not to attempt to convince anybody no matter how highly placed about their decisions but to always ensure that they are in compliance with laws and rules while writing their judgments and rulings.
The CJN issued the warning just as he declared open the 2023 Conference of Judges of the Federal High Court held at the Court’s headquarters in Abuja.
Noting that to be a Judge and Lord of Courts is not a Child’s play, Justice Ariwoola said Judges, must always strive to come up with judgments that would stand the test of time especially judgments that would not be over turned by Appellate Courts.
” For the reasons I have just enumerated, I charge you not to take your appointments for granted. You must work harder to justify the appointments by always coming up with judgments and decisions that would not be rejected by the Appellate Courts.
“Go extra miles to justify the appointments and do not create loopholes that could tarnish the image and reputation of the Court”.
He congratulated the Judges for the opportunity of witnessing the Conference and the 50th existence of the Court.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled the establishment of the Court 50 years ago with a single Court room and five Judges in Lagos but has grown to 37 Divisions and 95 Judges at the moment.
Justice Tsoho said that they 23 Judges recently appointed to beef up performance of the Court have since been inducted and deployed to various Divisions.
On the Conference, he said that it is aimed at critically discussing issues confronting the Court and profer solutions to the challenges.
He thanked the CJN and the Nigerian Bar Association NBA for their contributions to the growth of the Court over the years.
