*Seek Solutions to Court Congestion and Case Management

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, led members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) on a courtesy visit to Hon. Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, to discuss enhancing access to justice and addressing mutual concerns between the bar and the bench.

The visit focused on fostering a smoother administration of justice and improving the working relationship between legal practitioners and the judiciary. During the visit, Mazi Osigwe expressed his gratitude for the warm reception from the Chief Judge and the other judges present. He emphasized the need for periodic engagements between the NBA and the judiciary to address pressing issues facing the legal system.

Key points discussed during the visit included:

  • E-Filing and Efficient Online Payment Methods: Mazi Osigwe raised concerns about the challenges lawyers face when filing cases at the Federal High Court. He advocated for the wider adoption of e-filing systems and more efficient online payment methods to ease the filing process.
  • Better Case Management Strategies: Osigwe recommended exploring strategies to reduce court congestion, including the designation of alternative courtrooms for high-profile cases to avoid disruptions caused by heightened security measures.

Hon. Justice Tsoho acknowledged the importance of the bar-bench relationship and assured the delegation that the judiciary values its connection with the legal profession. He highlighted that e-filing systems are already in place at the Federal High Court in Abuja and Lagos, but encouraged the NBA to help sensitize its members about the availability of virtual hearings and other technological tools.

The Chief Judge also raised concerns about public criticism of judicial decisions without proper understanding and cautioned lawyers against discussing ongoing cases or granting press interviews on sub judice matters. In response, Mazi Osigwe acknowledged the concerns and assured the judiciary that instances of professional misconduct would be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for appropriate action.

 

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As part of the visit, Hon. Justice Tsoho presented a golden emblem to Mazi Afam Osigwe and the NBA executive members, marking the Federal High Court’s 50th anniversary.

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