2023: Don't get entangled into politicians' tussle, FHC CJ cautions judges
The Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, cautioned judges of the court on Tuesday against allowing themselves to be dragged into politicians' tussles ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Justice Tsoho gave the warning while delivering the opening speech to mark the 38th Annual FHC Judges' Conference in Abuja.
From right: Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem; and Justice Binta Nyako of FHC during the opening ceremony of the 38th Annual FHC Judges" Conference in Abuja.
He urged the judges to ensure that pre-election cases are concluded within the time frame to avert a situation where any of the cases would be caught up by time.
"I want to urge Your Lordships to be extremely careful in the handling of these cases.
"These are slippery times, as many politicians are prone to being desperate."
"We must ensure that we do not get emotional or get dragged into their tussle."
"Everything possible should be done to disappoint agents of disharmony and doom," he said.
According to the CJ, our jobs as judicial officers require a standard that should be without blemish.
"Let us, therefore, guard our reputations."
"Our integrity must be unquestionable, as a good name is better than silver and gold," he added.
He, however, commended their understanding and unwavering commitment in the handling of pre-election matters.
He also thanked them for their adherence to the practice directions and determination to carry out the mandate of the special task force on pre-election matters to avert a looming chaos
Tsoho said the objective of the conference was to critically discuss any issues confronting the court and find solutions to them.
"We will also be addressed by practitioners in different fields of knowledge and learning, which will help us to continue to have a grip on our health and intellectual competence," he said.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, while declaring the meeting open, corroborated that the conference was for the judges to "rob their minds" and discuss how to move forward and tackle the challenges facing the court.
The CJN, who said that the problems were surmountable, said he had no doubt that the judges were equal to the task.
