The Nigerian House of Representatives took a significant step on Thursday by advancing a bill aimed at enhancing the capacity of the Court of Appeal. The proposed amendment seeks to elevate the number of justices from 90 to 150, marking a substantial expansion in the judiciary’s adjudicatory prowess.
Spearheaded by Hon. Dr. Patrick Umoh, the bill underscores the imperative for a robust judicial infrastructure to expedite justice delivery across the nation. Representing the Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency of Akwa Ibom state, Hon. Umoh emphasized the need for equitable access to justice and the efficient resolution of legal disputes.
The legislation, titled “A Bill to Amend the Court of Appeal Act,” advocates for the appointment of a minimum of six justices in every Judicial division of the Court. This strategic allocation aims to fortify the Court’s capacity for expeditious adjudication, particularly in regions grappling with burgeoning caseloads.
During the deliberations presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Hon. Umoh underscored the evolving landscape of legal dynamics, necessitating a commensurate augmentation of judicial resources. He highlighted the proliferation of litigation and the establishment of new divisions such as Kano, Gombe, Akwa, and Asaba, which have compounded the workload on existing judicial panels.
Of particular concern is the capacity constraints impeding simultaneous hearings, as several divisions lack the requisite number of justices to facilitate parallel sittings. This bottleneck not only prolongs the resolution of cases but also impedes the timely dispensation of justice, exacerbating the backlog of pending matters.
Moreover, the dearth of justices in critical divisions like Abuja and Lagos hampers the efficacy of Election Appeal Tribunals, further exacerbating delays in justice delivery. By augmenting the pool of appellate justices, the proposed amendment aims to enhance the quality and expediency of judicial decisions, thereby engendering greater public confidence in the legal system.
Beyond fostering judicial efficiency, the bill seeks to democratize access to justice and alleviate the burden on appellate court justices, thereby prolonging their professional longevity. By fortifying the institutional framework of the Court of Appeal, Nigeria endeavors to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and advance the cause of justice for all its citizens.
