Senate set to increase number of judges in FCT High Court The court currently has 37 judges. The Senate on Thursday commenced legislative action to increase the number of judges in the FCT High Court from 37 to 69. The action followed the second reading of the Bill seeking to amend the FCT High Court (Number of Judges) Act to provide for increase in the number of judges. Leading the debate, Umaru Dahiru (PDP-Sokoto), said that increase in the number of judges would reduce the workload of judges and enhance speedy dispensation of justice. Mr. Dahiru noted that within the last three years, the judges had to contend with over 24,445 cases; adding that the figure had been on the increase. “The need for the proposed increase is premised on the fact that there is an exponential increase in the number of cases in recent legal years. “In the light of the increase in the court’s dockets, the workload on judges is becoming unbearable and it is taking a toll on their health,” he said. James Manager (PDP- Delta) observed that the increasing complexities in the society had resulted in increase in conflicts which needed to be resolved through litigations. “The number of cases being filed is on the increase as the population of the FCT increases. “The society is getting complex thereby throwing up so many conflicts and the only way to resolve conflicts is through judicial intervention,” he said. Atiku Bagudu (PDP- Kebbi) said the increase in number of judges would be a major boost to the justice sector reforms and prisons decongestion programme. “An increase in the number of judges would enhance the reform of the criminal justice system and remedy prison decongestion, because there would be speedy disposal of cases,” he said. Hope Uzodinma (PDP-Imo), while supporting the bill, advised that effort should be directed to ensure that the appointment of judges reflected the federal character principle. Philip Aduda (PDP- FCT) urged the judicial authorities to ensure that judicial officers from the FCT catchment area were considered for appointment as judges. “If you look at the list of FCT judges, you may find that none is representing the FCT as a matter of federal character,” he said. Joshua Lidani (PDP-Gombe) added that when passed into law, the inequity in the appointment of judges into the FCT High Court would be addressed. “This increase will aid quick disposal of cases and also remedy the lopsided appointment of judges to reflect federal character in new appointments.” Opposing the bill, Kabiru Marafa (APC -Zamfara) argued that the FCT High Court, which status was equivalent to State High Court, should not have more judges than its counterparts in the states. He said that the estimated N9 billion to be spent on the additional judges should be spent on improving the condition of service of the magistrates who handled the bulk of cases. “Most of the states have less than 30 judges. So, I don’t see the reason FCT High Court should have 69 judges. “If half of the estimated N9 billion can be expended on improving the condition of service of the magistrates who handle the bulk of cases, it will help them dispose the cases faster.” Bello Tukur (PDP-Adamawa), however, advised the Senate to get the position of the National Judicial Council (NJC), to guide it on the matter. “I don’t think increasing the number of judges in the FCT will enhance the quick disposal of cases. “The FCT High Court is equivalent to States High Court and we need to know the position of the NJC on this matter,” Mr. Tukur advised. The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the Plenary, said emphasis should be placed on the quality of judges that would be appointed. “Apart from the need to increase number of judges, we must ensure that quality is also considered in the appointment of the judges to ensure efficient administration of justice,” Mr. Ekweremadu said. The bill, having passed through second reading, was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for further legislative action. (NAN)
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 05:25:19 +0000
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