The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, has inaugurated a committee for the review of the state’s High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, just as judges of the court proceed on a one-week break to mark the Easter celebration.
The high-powered committee was inaugurated at the state’s judiciary headquarters in Lokoja, with Hon. Justice Abdul Awulu as its Chairman and Hon. Justice Moses Gwatana as the Vice Chairman.
Speaking on the imperative of reviewing the rules, the Chief Judge disclosed that the current rules guiding procedures in the High Court of Justice were enacted 19 years ago when the pioneer Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Umaru Eri, made and brought the rules into effect, introducing “some remarkable innovations into the civil litigation landscape” in the state.
He stated further that “however, as with most systems of law, there is always room for further innovations, modifications and improvements aimed at achieving better degree of conformity with contemporary practices.”
The review of the rules, the Chief Judge added, was therefore an urgent reform needed for the administration of justice in the state to adapt to evolving technological developments, with a view to enhancing the civil litigation process to meet modern civil litigation procedures.
“These reforms will prioritize technology integration, procedural efficiency and case management flexibility fostering a more robust and accessible justice system,” he said.
While expressing confidence in members of the committee to deliver on the responsibility entrusted to them, Justice Majebi expressed hope of receiving an all-encompassing set of Rules at the end of the one-month period given to the committee, while also acknowledging the credibility and pedigree of the committee members.
He expressed optimism that the involvement of individuals of such calibre in the committee would serve as a guide to others on how best to collectively attain goals that would be beneficial to the legal institution and to future generations of lawyers.
According to the Chief Judge, members of the committee were carefully selected based on their integrity and long-standing records of progressive sacrifice and legal expertise in the administration of justice, noting that he has no doubt the recommendations of the committee would be among the best in the country.
“You have been carefully selected to review the Kogi State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2006, and your appointment is born out of your sterling records of progressive sacrifices and commitment to the legal sector and the administration of justice,” he disclosed.
He urged them to be steadfast and to ensure the realities of the prevailing economic order in the country are brought to bear in their review.
Responding on behalf of the members in his acceptance speech, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Justice Awulu, appreciated the Chief Judge for believing in their capacity to serve the state, while also pledging not to take the task ahead for granted.
Kogi Chief Judge inaugurates committee to review High Court rules
