By Adewole Kehinde
The current Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of
Nigeria, Hon. Justice Adamu Abdu - Kafarati, is due for retirement. He became a
Judge of the Federal High Court on 31st October, 1991.
Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati will leave the Bench by
July 25, 2019 on attainment of the mandatory statutory retirement age of 65
years. This will predictably pave way for Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, who
was born on 24th June 1959, to emerge as the next Chief Judge.
Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho is currently the
second- in-command in the hierarchy of Federal High Court Judges. Therefore, on
the basis of his seniority, he is expected to be made the next Chief Judge of
the Federal High Court, within this month.
It is established tradition and policy that
appointment into the office of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of
Nigeria, is strictly based on order of seniority, (except the most senior
person is of questionable conduct), on the recommendation of the NJC, but
subject to approval by the appointing authority, the President. The
retirement age for judges of the Federal High Court, including the Chief Judge
is on attainment of the statutory age of 65 years.
Appointment as a judge of the Federal High Court is
based on the attainment of at least ten years of active legal practice in
Nigeria, after being called to the Nigerian Bar.
Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho is currently in
Court No.2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The ability of Hon.Justice John Terhemba Tsoho to
effectively manage his Court at all times is not in doubt. He usually displays
very calm and courteous disposition towards counsel, jurors, witnesses and
parties. He has a reputation of patiently listening to all sides that canvass
arguments before him and gives a bold and balanced verdict, which is a very
commendable attribute of a Judge.
He has consistently exhibited patience, brilliance,
open-mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, punctuality, firmness, understanding,
compassion and humility in the discharge of his duties. This is obvious
for all to see.
His forbearance under provocation is highly
commendable, as he handles personal stress without visiting it on others. He
sees criticism and scrutiny as inherent in his position.
Justice John Tsoho's ability in knowing and applying
the law, rules and procedures to different facts and circumstances and his
ability to quickly perceive or discern new concepts and ideas is another great
asset, as there is no doubt about his general professional competence.
He has maintained uncommon standard of ethical
conduct that stands him out, both in the general public and among his
professional colleagues.
In line with the Muhammadu Buhari's fight for a
better nation and corrupt free society, Justice John Tsoho will do better
because his courage and Integrity are not in doubt. It is known that Legal
“Courage” is “the willingness to do what the law requires the judge to do, even
though the course the judge must follow is not the popular one”.
“Integrity” is not being influenced by the identity, race, gender, political
status, wealth or relationship of the parties or lawyers before the judge.
It is evident that Justice John Tsoho will be a
Chief Judge with robust physical and mental health to perform the duties of his
office. That he will render vigorous and effective service in the foreseeable
future. He also has the ability to cope with conflict, pressure and
stress.
Above all, His Lordship is of impeccable character.
He has a positive reputation in all his professional and community
circles. His background is free of any references to immorality or
indiscretions. He has no history of substance abuse or substance dependence
and free of any insinuations domestic violence. He has never been
associated with publicly unacceptable conduct. Even his worst adversaries
cannot contradict this.
Adewole
Kehinde is a Publisher and Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja, Nigeria. You
can reach him via kennyadewole@gmail.com
