The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, on Monday urged judges to maintain the highest standards of impartiality and fairness in all their judicial functions.
Speaking in Abuja at a special court session to mark the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year, Justice Tsoho emphasized that judicial decisions must be based solely on the law and the evidence presented, without fear or favor.
He said, “We must resolve cases expeditiously while ensuring that justice is not compromised. Delays in the administration of justice erode public confidence and undermine the rule of law. The judiciary must be transparent and accountable in all its operations.
“Let us work together to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary and ensure that the Federal High Court remains a beacon of hope for all who seek justice before it,” he added.
According to the Chief Judge, the protection and promotion of human rights are fundamental to the administration of justice. He urged judges to be vigilant in safeguarding the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or status.
Justice Tsoho disclosed that a total of 13,648 cases were filed in the 2023/2024 legal year, with 10,148 disposed of, leaving a backlog of 155,969 cases carried into the current legal year.
Among the pending cases, he noted, 43,030 are civil matters, 41,335 are criminal cases, 28,760 involve fundamental rights enforcement, and 42,844 pertain to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) cases, petitions, and motions.
The Chief Judge highlighted key advancements of the court in the last legal year, including the adoption of two pivotal practice directions: the Federal High Court (Cape Town Convention and Aircraft Protocol) Practice Directions, 2024, and the Federal High Court (Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria) Proceedings Rules, 2024.
He explained that the Cape Town Convention practice directions align with international best practices in the enforcement of contracts, sales, security interests, leases, and conditional sale agreements, providing uniformity and predictability for business operations across jurisdictions.
Justice Tsoho added that the AMCON proceedings rules establish a specialized framework for resolving non-performing loans and facilitate a more efficient and transparent process for all stakeholders.
He criticized the prevailing attitude of some lawyers, litigants, and public commentators who launch virulent attacks on judges and their decisions in the media, describing it as a dangerous practice that undermines judicial integrity and the rule of law.
“These attacks, often initiated by disgruntled lawyers, litigants, and public commentators, reflect a misunderstanding of the judicial process and an attempt to gain public attention at the expense of judicial integrity,” he said. He emphasized that dissatisfied litigants should utilize the appeal process or file complaints with the National Judicial Council (NJC) in cases of alleged judicial misconduct, warning against resorting to media criticism.
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The Chief Judge expressed concern over malicious petitions and public campaigns against judges, particularly by some politicians and legal practitioners. He accused certain lawyers of attempting to influence judgments and maligning judges when their efforts fail.
“The judiciary must not be cowed by such antics,” Justice Tsoho declared, adding that these actions jeopardize judicial independence and erode public trust in the judiciary. He called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to address misconduct within its ranks and emphasized the need to uphold ethical standards.
He also advocated for the revival of contempt proceedings to protect the judiciary’s integrity.
To dispel misinformation and discourage undue criticism of judges over bail-related issues, Justice Tsoho clarified misconceptions surrounding bail bonds. He explained that a bail bond is not an immediate payment but a surety’s guarantee that the accused will attend court proceedings.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, lamented the public perception that judicial handling of electoral and political matters suggests money influences court decisions.
The NBA President warned that such perceptions, especially among foreign economic investors, could diminish enthusiasm for foreign direct investment and harm the nation’s economy.
On his part, Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), called for a paradigm shift in the activities of the Bench and the Bar to lay a solid foundation for lasting democracy in the country.
Agabi also urged judges and lawyers to be morally strong in the face of daily challenges, emphasizing that perceptions of lawyers tempting judges with proceeds of corruption and then blaming them when they resist such attempts must be adequately addressed.
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