By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has appealed for the support of the judiciary for the implementation of reforms being carried out by the FCT Administration.
The Minister made the appeal in his address during the ceremonies marking the commencement of the 2023/2024 Legal Year of the Court of Appeal which took place at the ceremonial court of the Appeal Court Headquarters, Abuja on Monday, September, 25th.
Wike said , “Here in the FCT, we are fully committed to implementing certain reforms that will not only restore the glory of the Federal Capital 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.”
The FCT Minister who emphasized the significance a strong and independent judiciary as it affects the preservation of justice, protection of citizens’ rights and the overall wellbeing of the society, assured that the FCT Administration will continue to provide the necessary support to promote the efficient functioning of the court.
Meanwhile, the Minister expressed the resolve of the FCT Administration to address some of the accommodation challenges confronting Appeal Court Justices in the FCT.
According to the FCT Minister, “We recognize that a strong and independent judiciary is pivotal to the preservation of justice, the protection of citizens’ rights, and the overall wellbeing 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 into this matter to see how it can best be mitigated”, he said.
Noting that the Appeal Court has a huge task ahead as the final Court for appeals arising from the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Tribunal, the FCT Minister said a lot of industry is required while hearing and determining these appeals.
Barrister Wike therefore charged the court of appeal to live up to the trust and tremendous faith in the decisions of the court by members of the public.
According to him, “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.”
The minister noted that the judiciary, as a bastion of justice and an arbiter of disputes, has a role to play in maintaining stability, peace, and progress throughout the country in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for renewed hope Agenda on peace and stability in the country.
President of the Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Monica Bolna’an Dongban-Mensem, said the special court session is designed to not only reflect on the achievements and challenges of the past year, but also to set sights on the path ahead and recommit to the ideals of fairness, equity and the delivery of justice.
Furthermore, Honourable Justice Dongban-Mensem who described the legal profession as the bedrock of the nation’s social, economic and political coherence, said the Court of Appeal will harness the potential of technology, fortify the capacities of staff and deepen its tireless devotion in the discharge of its constitutional mandate in the new legal year.
She however charged the Bar to uphold the role of legal custodians and refrain from dubious tactics that could hinder progress and sabotage national interest.
Also speaking at the event, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, stressed the need for quick dispensation of Justice so as to decongest the court of pending cases.
Lateef Fagbemi who expressed concern for the plight of judiciary workers in terms of poor remuneration, said that the issue was being addressed with the aim of finding a lasting solution soon.
Highlights of the events include the commissioning of a fires station, training center and police outpost within the Appeal court complex.
