39,526 cases still pending, as Appeal Court flags off 2023/2024 Legal Year

Court of Appeal in Nigeria has flagged off its 2023/2024 Legal Year in Abuja, with a promise to hear all appeals before it ‘with utmost dedication, commitment and diligence.’

President of the Court, Justice Monica Mensen, who gave the assurance while flagging off the ceremony, further said the court is committed ‘to the ideals of fairness, equity and the delivery of Justice for Nigerians.’

According to Justice Mensen, “the court will fully harness the potential of technology, fortify the capacity of staff and deepen “our tireless devotion in the discharge of our constitutional mandate.

“This is to strengthen the already bolstered use of Technology in election petition tribunals which has significantly improved efficiency, accessibility, timeliness and transparency.”

Justice Mensen informed the session that, during the last legal year, 7,295 appeals and 3,665 Motions were filed in the 20 Divisions of the Court across Nigeria.

“Out of this number, 3,765 Appeals were determined by the court and 5,617 motions were disposed of while 1,030 of the appeals were dismissed and 10, 381 were allowed.”

She explained that the court still has 39,526 Appeals pending as of 1st of August 2023.

Speaking on achievements of the court under his leadership Justice Mensen said, a lot has been achieved in the area of health, Infrastructural Development in the complex, training of staff among others.

However, she expressed concern with the challenges of accommodation of justices and some court complexes in the country.

Justice Mensen also called for the improvement of salaries of judicial officers in Nigeria.

Remarking at the ceremony, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi pledged to formulate policies for the smooth running of the legal system in Nigeria, while also promising to improve the judicial system for the good of Nigerians.

Also, remarking, Representative of the Chairman of Senior Advocates former Minister of Justice Mr. Kanu Agabi urged judges and justices to have confidence in themselves despite temptations, condemnation, and challenges from the society.

“Those who criticize the judiciary, you are at liberty to do so but you need to bear with them,” Agabi aid.

He described the job of lawyers and judges as challenging and requiring deep understanding, patience and courage, just as he called on the AGF to use his good office to emancipate judges in the country.

Also, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Yakubu Maikyau while congratulating the court said, that efforts are ongoing with the revenue mobilization and physical commission to improve welfare.

Maikyau lamented how lawyers disregard the judiciary by going on air to discredit Court’s judgements speaking with personal sentiments instead of law and facts.

He urged them to avoid misleading the society by interpreting judgement based on personal views

On his part, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike promised to look into the accommodation problems of the judges in the FCT.

The Court of Appeal new legal year celebration features prayers in Mosque and Chapel within the complex as well as commissioning of fire service, staff training center and a Police post.