SAN FRANCISCO, July 26, (THEWILL) – Justice John Tsoho has been sworn in as the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court after a mild drama earlier today which aborted his swearing in.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad administered the oath of office to the judge at the Ceremonial Court of the Supreme Court in Abuja.
Justice Tsoho, who is the most senior justice in the federal high court system takes over from Justice Adamu Kafarati, who retired from the bench on attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65 at midnight Thursday.
Tsoho’s inauguration as the Acting Chief Judge was earlier suspended in the morning after all had gathered to await clearance from President Muhammadu Buhari, THEWILL gathered.
Tsoho will occupy the office in acting capacity until President Buhari formally confirms him as substantive head of the court. It is indeed a constitutional provision that the most senior justice in the court system takes over in acting capacity when there is a vacancy.
Before a person can become substantive Chief Judge, the Nigerian Constitution in Section 250 provides for the procedure. Justice Tsoho is from Benue State.
Justice Tsoho will continue to function in an acting capacity until his nomination by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and his nomination confirmed by the President and subsequently by the Senate, as provided in Section 250(1) of the Constitution.
Meanwhile Justice Muhammed has praised the retired Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for his contribution to the country’s jurisprudence and service to the judiciary and the nation.
Justice Tanko Muhammed also urged the new acting Chief Judge to sustain the good work done by his predecessor.
He spoke on Friday in Abuja at the swearing-in of Justice Tsoho as the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.
“I know you as a welfare person, so work towards better welfare for your Judges” Justice Tanko Mohammed said.
“Inculcate the habit of visiting other divisions under you; sit with your Judges to find solutions to problems identified”
“I urge you to be selective in appointing Judges. Find out about their characters before appointing them ” he said.
Justice Tanko also urged the acting Chief Judge to elevate the Judges so as for them to feel sense of belonging.
