Chief Judge warns Lawyers against seeking frivolous adjournment

The Chief Judge of Kogi State Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi has warned lawyers against seeking frivolous adjournment to dawdle speedy disposal of cases before Judges in the State.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Hon. Justice Majebi gave the warning on Thursday during the inauguration of the appellate panels of the High Court of Justice of Kogi State.

 It was gathered that the panels will sit over appeals emanating from cases already determined by the lower courts in the State.

Speaking at the inauguration of the appellate panels of the Kogi State High Court, the Chief Judge of Kogi State said, " the panels would not grant frivolous adjournment to ensure speedy disposal of cases before them within their limited time.

"Am assuring lawyers that the Kogi State Judiciary is ready to continue serving the State diligently through prompt and timely determination of cases" he stated.

The Chief Judge of Kogi State explained that the Bar’s cooperation too made it impossible to record backlog of cases in the state.

On the recent appointment of new Judges for the State, Hon. Justice Majebi frowned at the array of petitions filed by lawyers from the State over the process of the appointment noting that, the session was an avenue to inform the Bar of Judiciary’s improvements.

“The essence of this inaugural sitting is to enable me give the report of our progress to the Bar. In the recent time, we have witnessed the following progress/developments: The commencement of renovation of our courts by the state government has begun with the CJ’s complex which comprises the courtroom, office, Chambers and Conference Hall.

“Our other report is the recent appointment of ten (10) Judicial Officers who are waiting to be sworn-in by His Excellency soon. In the course of the process of the appointment, petitions were written against our Judicial Service Commission chaired by my humble self. 

"Defamatory words were recklessly used against my person and integrity and litigation to even stop the process that failed were among the steps unscrupulously taken to truncate the process. 

"I decided to keep mute to all the allegations as they were unfounded, mischievous and self-seeking. They require no response else I would be placing something on nothing. Every minute of my life is so precious to be wasted on nonexistent fact.

" May I appeal to our esteemed members of the Bar with Human Rights Activists and others to endavour to verify their facts before going to the press to enhance the integrity of their views/submission on any issue. My doors are always opened for verification at any time."

"I would be looking forward to periodical interactions between the Bench, the Bar and other stakeholders in the administration of justice sector for knowledge sharing. This would help the dispensation of justice in the State.  I am urging lawyers  to be aware that their cases could be assigned to Judges in any jurisdiction of the State", he added.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Bar, Barr. John Ajewole, one of the oldest lawyers in the State, spoke extensively on how the regular appeal sessions have been helpful in the State.

 He commended the speed with which the State Judiciary currently dispenses justice and pleaded that renovation carried out in the Chief Judge’s court be replicated across Courts in the State.

This Newspaper learnt that, the appeal session, which is the second for the year 2024  has six panels  meant to take appeals across the State. 

It was also gathered  that  Lokoja the Kogi State capital, has two panels headed by Justice Abdul Awulu and Justice Angelina Salihu respectively. 

Justice Estu Umar will head Okene panel while Justice Folajobi Ajayi has been assigned to head that of Ankpa in the Eastern Senatorial District of Kogi State.

 The panel for Idah is  headed by Justice Salisu Umar while  Justice Moses Gwatana heads that of Anyigba axis.

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