FCT minister eulogises outgoing customary court of appeal president

THE Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, on Thursday, eulogised the outgoing President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Moses Bello, for the able way he piloted the affairs of the apex customary court during his 26 years on the saddle.

He gave this remark in a tribute to the Justice during the valedictory session held in his honour in Abuja.

The minister, whose message was delivered by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa, said “in the 26 years of your presidency of this court, you left indelible footprints in the judicial sands of time. Like a guiding light, all customary law practitioners would ever look at your wise judicial pronouncements as beacons as they navigate the waters of customary law and jurisprudence”.

Malam Bello noted that the court was established as a Superior Court of Record pursuant to Decree No. 30 of 1991 and enshrined in Section 265, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

According to him, the Court was charged with the mandate to exercise appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over issues of Customary law and Chieftaincy matters.

He consequently commended the Court for discharging the functions creditably.

The minister thanked the retiring Justice for his contributions towards making the FCT administration’s legal institution what it was today.

He pledged to extend the same hand of fellowship and good working relations that existed between FCTA and the outgoing president to the next leadership of the Court.

In his remarks, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malam Abubakar Malami, described the celebrant as a man who has impacted the country in a profound manner.

He, therefore, called on lawyers, judges and justices to use the occasion to reflect on the life and wide range of experience of the retiring justice to the country’s jurisprudence.

“This is a worthy celebrant. The celebrant has touched the country in a profound manner. His biography is that of hardwork, team work and dedication”, he stated.

Responding, Justice Bello disclosed that one of his greatest achievements was the passage into law by the National Assembly of the Customary Court of Appeal of the FCT, jurisdiction on Chieftaincy matters which gave the FCT Customary Court of Appeal sole jurisdiction to hear and determine chieftaincy matters in the territory.

Justice Bello explained that during his tenure as the helmsman of the Court, he contributed his best to the growth and development of the Court and also ensured that people at the grassroots in the territory got required services.

“In the years I have served as President of the Customary Court of Appeal, I make bold to say I contributed my modest efforts towards the growth and development of the Court and ultimately in bringing the services of the Court closer to those who needed it the most, the rural dwellers of the FCT”, he affirmed.