Enchantment Court docket President Urges Elevation Of Nationwide Judicial Institute To College Standing
The President of the Court docket of Enchantment, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem has known as on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to raise the coaching arm of the judiciary, Nationwide Judicial Institute (NJI), to the standing of a college.
She predicated the decision on the grounds that many judicial officers, particularly those that have served and retired from the bench of the judiciary nonetheless have rather a lot to supply the nation.
She spoke on Friday in Abuja, throughout a Particular Sitting to commemorate actions marking the Golden Jubilee of the Court docket of Enchantment.
The occasion was additionally used to rejoice the Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division,
Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will formally retire from service on April 17, 2026, upon attaining the obligatory retirement age of 70 years.
“Hon. Justice Barka has distinguished himself as a gentleman of the very best order, hardworking, even-tempered in disposition, and an exemplary workforce participant. For over 4 a long time, His Lordship has devoted his life to the service of the judiciary and our pricey nation.
“All through His Lordship’s illustrious profession on this Court docket serving in Benin, Ilorin, Akure Calabar and Abuja Divisions, he demonstrated dedication, collegiality, and a deep sense of responsibility, leaving indelible marks wherever he served.
“We rejoice His Lordship’s exceptional legacy with gratitude and admiration. He’ll undoubtedly be vastly missed by his brother Justices, the Bar, and the whole judicial neighborhood.
“As His Lordship transitions into the following section of life, we want him continued fulfilment, good well being and success in all his future endeavours.
“On this regard, I want to respectfully reiterate my earnest attraction to the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Ok. M. O. Kekere-Ekun, GCON, on the crucial of elevating the Nationwide Judicial Institute to the standing of a Judicial College.
“Such a metamorphosis will present a veritable platform for retiring jurists, like our distinguished brother whom we honour at the moment, to proceed to contribute their huge information, expertise, and knowledge to the expansion and growth of the judiciary”, the president stated.
In the meantime, she disclosed that as a part of actions to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Court docket of Enchantment a complete of 21 panels had been constituted, comprising 63 Honourable Justices drawn from numerous Divisions of the Court docket, together with my humble self.
She disclosed {that a} whole of 330 appeals, protecting civil, felony and business issues had been listed and heard earlier than these panels.
“The panels sat all through the length of the train in scheduled classes. Whereas some panels sat inside the Court docket of Enchantment Headquarters and Abuja Division, others sat at designated courtrooms graciously made obtainable inside the Federal Capital Territory. I want to sincerely admire our companions and stakeholders whose collaboration and help contributed immensely to the profitable group of this particular sitting”, she stated.
“As we mark our Golden Jubilee, might this milestone encourage renewed dedication to equity, integrity and professionalism within the administration of justice”, she added.
Responding, Justice Barka who will formally bow out on April 17 when he would have attained the obligatory retirement age, thanked his brother justices for his or her help, including that he can be obtainable to supply his authorized experience each time he’s known as upon to take action.
Justice Barka profession on the appellate courtroom included his service within the Benin, Ilorin, Akure, Calabar and Abuja Divisions.
Amongst these on the occasion included Justices of the appellate courtroom, senior legal professionals and employees members of the courtroom.
Alex Enumah
Times Nigeria