PCA advocates establishment of judicial varsity

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has called for the elevation of the National Judicial Institute to the status of a Judicial University. Dongban-Mensem made the call at the valedictory session in Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will be clocking the statutory 70 years of age in April, and the ceremony […]

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has called for the elevation of the National Judicial Institute to the status of a Judicial University.

Dongban-Mensem made the call at the valedictory session in Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, who will be clocking the statutory 70 years of age in April, and the ceremony to mark the court’s 50 years anniversary in Abuja.

She said such a transformation will provide a veritable platform for retiring jurists, like Justice Barka, to continue to contribute their vast knowledge, experience, and wisdom to the growth and development of the judiciary.

She added that the upgrade will enable adequate training of judicial staff in the country.

The PCA noted that about 21 panels were constituted for the special sitting, comprising 63 honourable justices drawn from various divisions of the court, which handled 330 appeals, covering civil, criminal and commercial matters were listed and heard before these panels involving about 600 litigants.

She commended the FCT administration for providing accomodation to justices of the appellate court, the National Industrial Court, the FCT High Court and the Sharia Court of Appeal for providing them with courtrooms.

On the life of the retiree, she said “throughout His Lordship’s illustrious career in this Court serving in Benin, Ilorin, Akure Calabar and Abuja Divisions, he demonstrated commitment, collegiality, and a deep sense of duty, leaving indelible marks wherever he served.”

In his response, Justice Barka assured the court that, although retired he will always be available, anywhere you want to send me I will go.