The Appeal Court of Nigeria has begun a new Legal year with a pledge for more commitment to improve capacity to dispose off appeals.
The President of the court of Appeal, Justice Monica Mensen made the commitment in Abuja, at a ceremony marking the 2022 Court of Appeal Annual Legal year.
She explained that the court in year 2021-2022, despite increase in the number of appeals was able to determine 2,077 appeals.
Justice Mensen said, “special panels are also used to timeously determine matters which fall under Fast Track appeals. A total of 223 appeals on EFCC, ICPC, AMCON and other corporate and commercial matters were determined.”
Use of ICT
Justice Mensen noted that the use of ICT in the court has provided greater management and operational support in justice delivery through virtual portals, calling for better training of justices and staff of the court.
Justice Mensen noted that the court achieved this by adopting special panel system to decongest dockets of the court.
She assured Nigerians of the determination and commitment of the court to improve the capacity to dispose off more appeals.
Also, Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN said, the improvement of the remuneration and conditions of service of judicial officers in Nigeria remains uppermost on the agenda of Nigerian Government.
Justice Malami noted that the ongoing process of improving the welfare package of the judicial officers would be completed, in accordance with extant constitutional and statutory provisions.
He said the available appropriation figures also bear testament to the fact that, a progressively upward review of annual budgetary appropriation to the judiciary under President Buhari.
“I am also gladdened that His Lordship has inaugurated a 13-man Electoral Judicial Manual Committee (EJMC) that will see to the issuance of the Maiden Edition of the Electoral Judicial Manual, which will provide an operational framework and reference guide for the determination of election petitions,” he said.
He explained that the government also makes special budgetary provision to cater for special assignments associated with national elections.
Malami commended the foresight of the President of the Court of Appeal in taking proactive steps towards an effective discharge of the constitutional mandate over the outcome of elections.
Also speaking, on behalf of the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr. Kanu Agabi attributed the current challenges in the country to lack of respect for the constitution.
Meanwhile, the president Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Yakubu Maikyau appealed for improvement of judges welfare in the country.
Confidence Okwuchi
