Federal High Court Disassociate Acting Chief Judge From CUPP’s Allegations

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has disassociated the acting Chief Judge, the Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho from the Coalition of United Political Parties public statements concerning succession to the leadership of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

According to a press release by the Chief Registrar, Federal High Court, Emmanuel Gakko Esq. on Saturday, 21st September, 2019, he said that the procedure(s) for succession in the leadership of the court, which so far have not been detracted from as to give Justice John Tsoho cause for alarm and warrant expressing any reservations or procuring anyone to make a case on his behalf.

The statement reads, “our attention has been drawn some media reports and press conferences by certain persons and groups (notably, the Coalition of United Political Parties [CUPP]) on alleged attempts to tamper with the hierarchy and/or succession to the headship of the Federal Hgh Court.

“It is alleged that there has been uncovered a plot to stop the emergence of the current Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, who is the most senior Judge in the Court, as the substantive Chief Judge. It is equally alleged that the plot is driven by ethnic and religious considerations.

“We wish to state categorically that there are well established policies and procedures guiding the issue of succession, not only in the Federal High Court, but for all the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria.

“His lordship, the Acting Chief Judge is well acquainted with the procedure(s) for succession in the leadership of the court, which so far have not been detracted from as to give him cause for alarm and warrant expressing any reservations or procuring anyone to make a case on his behalf.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the Federal High court and indeed our Acting Chief Judge, the Hon.Justice John Terhemba Tsoho hereby completely disassociate themselves from any persons and groups that have come out to make public statements concerning succession to the leadership of the Federal High court of Nigeria, the statement concluded.

Stay Clear Of Justice Tsoho; Young Professionals Tells Blackmailers

…Commends Chief Femi Fani-Kayode

The United Young Professional has commended Chief Femi Fani-Kayode for coming out to disclaim a fictitious petition by a so called “lawyer” against the Ag. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria distinguished Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho.

In a press release on Wednesday 18th September 2019 in Abuja, the National Coordinator of the United Young Professionals, Adewole Kehinde said that the body is shocked that a man who has never been called to the Bar, could be used as agent of blackmail against a man who has come to lead the Federal High Court of Nigeria with knowledge, experience, good Judgement, independent and excellent character.

“We commend Chief Femi Fani-Kayode for coming out to debunk the news and disclaimed the fictitious Petition, Adewole said.

“Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho will continue to exhibit patience, brilliance, open-mind, courtesy, courage, punctuality, firmness, understanding and humility in discharging his duties despite all the unwarranted distractions.

Adewole reiterated further, “In line with Chief Femi Fani-Kayode decision, we call on security agencies and Body of Benchers to investigate the so called “Mr. Lanre Amu” and his co-sponsors. We have it on good authority that Mr Amu was never called to Bar and he walks round the premises of the Federal High Court of Nigeria Abuja pretending to be a Lawyer. Further investigation shows that he was deported from the United States of America because he was heavily involved in drugs peddling.

“We are also calling on the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption under the amiable Professor Itse Sagay to investigate the originator and sponsors of the fictitious petition and bring them to book.

“Finally, we call on Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, the acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria to remain focused as the court resumes for the 2019/2020 Legal Year, the statement concluded.

Again, Gov Dickson Led Restoration Group Sweeps PDP National Delegates Election In Bayelsa

The Governor Dickson led Restoration Group has swept the national delegates of the Peoples Democratic Party in all the eight local Government Areas of the State.

The Restoration Team had earlier overran the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation and other non-Restoration Aspirants of the party in three-man Ward Delegates Congress organized by the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi, on Saturday.

The Ward delegates who were elected on Saturday participated alongside other stakeholders to elect the national delegates of the party in the election organized by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ude Oko Chukwu, the Bayelsa State National Delegates Returning Officer Monday.

All the ward delegates assembled at the respective local government headquarters to join other stakeholders of the party to elect the national delegates from the local government areas.

A critical analysis of the list showed that over 90 percent of the names that emerged from the election are members of the Restoration caucus.

The outcome of the election of the national delegates is a further reinforcement of the dominance of the Restoration Group on the politics of the PDP and Bayelsa.

It was gathered that the delegates election was peaceful and smooth.

Justice John Terhemba Tsoho: A Judge With Tact, Courage, Punctuality, Firmness And Humility

By Adewole Kehinde

The Hon. Justice Adamu Abdu Kafarati finally bowed out of the Bench on July 25th, 2019 on attainment of the mandatory statutory retirement age of 65 years thereby clearing the coast for Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, as the Acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho was born on the 24th June, 1959 at Mbaduku, now in Vandeikya LGA of Benue State.

Justice Tsoho attended St. Anthony’s Primary School, Chenge – Mbaduku from1967 to1972; Mt. St. Michael’s Secondary School, Aliade from 1973 to 1977 for his West African School Certificate; the Murtala College of Arts, Science and Technology, Makurdi from 1978 to 1979 for the IJMBE and the University of Lagos between 1980 and 1984, where he obtained his Bachelor Laws Degree (LL.B. Hons), before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School in 1985 to become a Barrister-at-Law.

On graduation, the young John Tsoho did his N.Y.S.C at Delta Palm Ltd., Port Harcourt as Company Legal Assistant from August 1985 to August 1986. He went into Private Legal Practice in Gboko from August 1986 to Oct. 1986.

He became an Inspector of Area Courts, Benue State Judiciary from October 1986 to Dec. 1987; Magistrate/ Chief Magistrate, Benue State Judiciary from January, 1988 to March, 1996. He was appointed Arbitrator in a Contractual Dispute from February 1994 to June 1994.

He became the Secretary, Magistrates' Association of Nigeria, Benue State Branch from June, 1988 to July, 1990 and eventually the Chairman of the Association from December, 1995 to April, 1996.

He served as Acting Chief Registrar, High Court of Benue State between August, 1996 and March, 1997. He was appointed substantive Chief Registrar, Benue State High Court from 9th October, 1997 to11th November, 1998.

Justice Tsoho was appointed Judge, Federal High Court on 12th Nov. 1998 and became the Acting Chief Judge on the 26th July, 2019

He was also the President  of the University of Lagos Law Class of 1980 - 1983 from April, 2015 to March, 2017.

Justice John Tsoho is a Judge with reputation for maintaining order and dignity in court proceedings. He competently runs his Court and clearly shows that he is in charge, but without descending into the arena and without unduly interfering or hindering the parties in the presentation of their cases. He is a patient Judge!

He has consistently exhibited patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, punctuality, firmness, understanding, compassion, humility and much common sense in all aspects of his adjudication. 

Also Justice Tsoho has been on the Federal High Court Bench for more than 20 years without any serious petition against him; except about two frivolous ones that came 2 years ago, which were master-minded by very desperately malicious minds, but was exonerated by the NJC.

I would say that knowledge, experience,  good judgement, independence and character stand Justice Tsoho out. He is a Judge with a sound knowledge of the law and the practice of the courts.

Justice Tsoho, in line with President Muhammadu Buhari's fight for a better nation and corrupt -free society, has promised to lead by example.

He stated after taking oath of office: “If for instance, it shows that you are transparent, other people will be encouraged to be transparent too.”

He has also promised to set up an anti-corruption committee in line with government policy, requesting all arms of Government to set up one.

He further promised to strengthen the war against corruption, not necessarily by open propagation, but by genuinely monitoring and advising as appropriate, using such committee, if it already exists on ground.

Justice Tsoho, whose hobbies are Reading, Listening to Music & Jogging is aged 60 years.

Adewole Kehinde is a Publisher and Public Affairs Analyst based in Abuja, Nigeria. You can reach him via kennyadewole@gmail.com

Justice John Tsoho Sworn In As Acting Chief Judge Of The Federal High Court Of Nigeria

Justice John Tsoho 

The Nigeria Judiciary witnessed a new helmsman as the Country’s Chief Justice, Justice Tanko Muhammed, swore in Justice John Tsoho as the acting Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

Justice Tsoho is replacing Justice Abdul Kafarati who retired from the Nigeria’s Judiciary this week.

Before a person can become substantive Chief Judge, the Nigerian Constitution in Section 250 provides for the procedure. Justice Tsoho, from Benue State, takes over from Justice Kafarati, whose tenure ends on July 25.

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 The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammed has praised the retired Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati, 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.

Federal High Court: After Justice Abdu Kafarati, Who Is Next?

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

Justice Abdu Kafarati Unveils The Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019

.....Commissions Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre

….Justice John T. Tsoho likely to take over as Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice A. Abdu Kafarati on Friday unveils the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019.

In his opening remark, Justice A. Abdu Kafarati said that current Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules came into force in 2009, which is exactly 10 years ago.

He further stressed that it is the responsibility, as a court, to ensure that it is not left behind and the court have continued to adapt to that modern trends.

“The only way we can achieve this is by regular review of our laws and procedures to ensure we are able to deliver justice to not only the common man but everybody that approaches the court seeking justice, Justice Kafarati said.

The Review of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019 was chaired by Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, who is likely to take over from the outgoing Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria as the most Senior Judge after Justice Kafarati.

The Judge further said that the new Civil Procedure Rules 2019, which has introduced a lot of innovation to enhance speedy dispensation of Justice, has been gazetted and ready for unveiling.

Justice Kafarati also commissioned the Federal High Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre aimed at enhancing access to justice through alternative mechanism; minimize frustration and delays in justice delivery as well as enhanced timely, cost effective and users’ friendly alternative to litigation in resolving disputes.

The Judge urged practitioners and parties to key into the lofty means of dispute resolution devoid of technicalities of Law.

“I also appeal to practitioners not to turn this centre to a regular court because by doing so, the aim of creating this centre would be defeated, he concluded.

Also, speaking after the commissioning of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadazama advised the incoming Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to develop and sustain the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre of the Court.

It has always been the tradition that the highest ranking Judge takes over when the Chief Judge retires and it is expectation of the Court that Justice John T. Tsoho, as the most Senior Judge after Justice Kafarati, improve on the works and achievements of his predecessor as the new Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja.