Your challenges are surmountable, CJN tells judges, as he declares Judges’ Conference open

By Jude-Ken Ojinnaka
(Reporting from Abuja)

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Honourable Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola told the honourable judges of the Federal High Court of Nigeria that he is not unaware of the challenges facing the court as alluded by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho in his speech, but they are equal to the task.

“Your challenges are surmountable,” the CJN asserted.

Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola made the assertion during his address to officially declare open the 2022/2023 Annual Judges’Conference of the Federal High Court, held at the court headquarters, Abuja.

He said that this 38th Annual Judges’ Conference of the Federal High Court is for Brother Judges in a closed door session to rub minds, have tet-a-tet, discuss closely about how to move forward, how to tackle the challenges facing the court.

“I have no doubt in my mind that with what your amiable Chief Judge has said, you are equal to the task. Your challenges are surmountable.

“I seize this opportunity to declare this 38th Annual Judges’Conference of the Federal High Court open.
“I wish you success” the CJN prayed.

Earlier in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual Judges’ Conference held at Abuja Headquarters of the court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho said that he had addressed most of the pressing issues comprehensively in his speech at the special court session held on Monday.

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He however once again appreciated his Brother Judges for their support and solidarity during the last Legal year.

The Chief Judge particularly commended his brother judges for their understanding and unwavering commitment in the handling of Pre-Election cases.

Furthermore, he commended their adherence to the Practice Directions and their determination to carry out the mandate of the Special Task Force to avert a looming chaos.

“Without your support, all my innovative efforts would have been in vain,” he said.

The Chief Judge reminded the judges that the battle is not over until they conclude all the pending Pre-Election cases so as to avert a situation where any of the cases would be caught up by time.

He urged the judges to be extremely careful in the handling of those cases, adding that they should be mindful of many politicians who are very desperate.

“I want to urge Your Lordships to be extremely careful in the handling of these cases.

“These are slippery times, as many politicians are prone to be desperate.

“We must ensure that we do not get emotional or get dragged into their tussle. Everything possible should be done to disappoint agents of disharmony and doom”

“Our jobs as judicial officers require a standard that should be without blemish. Let us therefore guard our reputations. Our integrity must be unquestionable, as good name is better than Silver and Gold.”

Dwelling on the object of the conference, Justice Tsoho said that the aim of the conference is to critically discuss any issues confronting the court and find solutions to them.

He thanked and appreciated the presence of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who is also Chairman of both the National Judicial Council and the Federal Judicial Service Commission for accepting to declare the conference open.

” The honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has demonstrated his love for the Federal High Court in particular, since his Lordship’s assumption of office.

The Federal High Court Chief Judge adumbrated on the sterling qualities of the CJN, particularly his prompt intervention which saved ” this court from ridicule, arising from the negative effect of unplanned amendment of the Electoral Act.

“Pursuant to Sections 29(5) and 84(14) of the Electoral Amendment Act, 2022, the
Federal High Court became seised with exclusive jurisdiction to determine Pre-Election disputes.

“By virtue of Section 285(10) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 (as amended), the Pre-Election cases must be concluded within 180 days from the date of filing the suit.

The judge stressed that the total effect of these provisions was high inundation of the court with Pre-Election cases which constituted heavy burden on the limited number of judges who already are over tasked, coupled with the lean finances of the court.

He stated that His Lordship, the CJN was touched by the court’s predicament and approved an emergency fund to deal with the situation, which prompt intervention saved the day.

“Thus, those that waited in the wings to celebrate our failure and humiliation, have become utterly disappointed”

“Sir you are a source of our pride and we cannot thank you enough sir” Justice Tsoho expressed his appreciation.

Finally, he invited the Chief Justice of Nigeria who delivered his address and declared the conference open to the admiration of the judges.