The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has assured that challenges confronting the Federal High Court are surmountable.
Ariwoola gave the assurance on Tuesday shortly before he declared open the Federal High Court Judges’ conference in Abuja.
He said that, “the judges conference is for brother judges.”
“In a close door session to rob mind, tooth and tail, discuss closely about how to move forward on who to tackle the challenges facing the court .”
“I have no doubt in my mind with what you all appreciate of your amiable leader of this court ” that you are quall to the task as the challenges are surmountable.
“I therefore like to seize the opportunity to declare the conference open”. he stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho had recalled his Monday address where he highlighted the core challenges of the court to include funds and heavy workload.
He said that preparation have reached an advanced stage in the appointment of 15 additional judges into the bench of the Court. This process will be quickly followed by a further appointment of 9 judges , he said , subject to the approval of the National Judicial Council.
Justice Tsoho commended his brother judges serving in Special Task Force set up to handle Pre-election matters and urged them to adhere to the Practice Directions to avert a looming chaos.
“We must therefore ensure that we conclude all the Pre-election cases and avert a situation where any of the cases will be caught up by time” he enjoined .
He urged the judges to be extremely careful in the handling of elections cases because “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” adding that everything possible should be done to disappoint agents of disharmony and doom.
Justice Tsoho thanked Justice Olukayode Ariwoola the Chief Justice of Nigeria for declaring the conference open. He said that Justice Ariwoola presence demonstrated his love for the Federal High Court .
CJN Ariwoola prompt intervention save the court from ridicule that would have arisen from the negative effect of unplanned amendment of the Electoral Act that gave the FHC exclusive jurisdiction to determine pre – election disputes.