Our supreme court the most overworked in the world, says CJN

Mahmud Mohammed, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), on Monday said Nigeria’s supreme court is arguably the “most overworked” in the world.

Delivering a speech at a special session to commence the 2016/2017 legal year, Mohammed said the apex court had entertained 1,489 matters  this year alone.

He explained that the figure consists of 908 motions, 581 substantive appeals and 268 judgments.

“Indeed, during this period, we received about 10 new appeals per week, most of which were interlocutory in nature,” he said.

“Consequently, we have taken the historic step towards the expansion of the single track of justice delivery in the court by allowing for appeals to be mediated where the parties and issues permit.

“With these statistics given above, I dare to say that in the 2015/2016 legal year, our court confirmed its status as arguably the most overworked Supreme Court anywhere in the World.”

Mohammed, who is due to retire this year, said he would be leaving the court better than he met it.

“I am proud to say that by the will of Almighty, I am leaving the Supreme Court in a better shape than I met it,” he said.

“Indeed, in the past year, this court has witnessed numerous improvements both in terms of physical infrastructure and statutory functioning that will no doubt put us on the cusp of greater accomplishments.

“This legal year has certainly been an eventful one. We have rowed against the proverbial tides and withstood the blistering winds and gale forces.

“Indeed, we must appreciate and commend the efforts made by our justices, and all judicial officers and staff of the various strata of our judiciary towards enhancing the administration of justice.’’

He said the landmark achievements were recorded despite the various attacks and challenges to the independence of the judiciary.

Mohammed said the last legal year witnessed transition in the ranks of the justices of the court with the appointment of Amiru Sanusi, a justice, to join the ranks of the court.

“While we are waiting for the confirmation of the appointment of two justices of the court by the Senate, the NJC is expected to consider and recommend the appointment of two additional justices at its meeting on September 28,” he said.

“We also held valedictory sittings on the retirement of two of our brothers, in the persons of Justices Afolabi Fabiyi and Sailfullahi Muntaka-Coomasie into well deserved life of leisure and rest.

“I thank these tow distinguished jurists and gentlemen for their invaluable contributions to the jurisprudence of the court and rest assured, they are sorely missed by us all.”

On administration of justice, he said the judiciary needs to address the perennial issue of delays.

“While we all rush to rehash the age-old rhetoric that justice delayed is justice denied, the actions of our key stakeholders, particularly members of the bar have often proven to be far from the words,” he said.

“Although new laws and practice directions have been enacted with the aim of speeding up the administration of justice, incessant delays remain.

“Sadly, certain members of the bar are conspicuous in utilising unethical, frivolous applications and appeals, multiplicity of actions in courts of coordinate jurisdiction and other acts of calumny to frustrate the speedy dispensation of justice.”