CJN Urges Dismissal Of Suit Contesting Appointment Of FCT High Court Judges

CJN Urges Dismissal Of Suit Contesting Appointment Of FCT High Court Judges

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has urged a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a lawsuit brought by lawyer Azubuike Oko challenging the appointment of 12 judges to the bench of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. Justice Ariwoola, through his legal representative, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, argued that Oko lacked the judicial power to initiate such an action…..READ ALSO Moment CJN Ariwoola Met APC Chairman Ganduje (PHOTOS)

In a preliminary objection presented to the court, Kehinde emphasized that the suit was non-justiciable under the provisions of the Constitution and that Oko lacked the standing to institute the legal action. Referring to previous legal precedents, Kehinde highlighted the exclusive jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in matters relating to the employment of judicial officers.

Moreover, the objection cited a similar case dismissed by the court in 2020, which challenged the recommendation of judges for the FCT High Court. The court ruled that the plaintiff lacked the standing to challenge the appointment process, emphasizing the absence of jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in employment matters concerning judicial officers.

During the court proceedings, the plaintiff’s counsel, Nkemakolam Okoro, maintained readiness to proceed with the case, having filed necessary responses and counter-affidavits. However, Akinola Fasanmi, representing the defendants, adopted the arguments presented in the preliminary objection.

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed March 15 for judgment after hearing arguments from all parties. The judge previously rejected an ex-parte motion seeking to halt the appointment process, directing the plaintiff to serve the defendants and scheduling an expedited hearing.

The plaintiff’s lawsuit raises concerns about the exclusion of certain states, particularly Ebonyi, in the appointment of judges to the FCT High Court. Oko seeks to address perceived inequities in the appointment process, urging the court to intervene in the interest of justice.