In a move to strengthen collaboration between the bar and the bench, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, led the National Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho. The visit focused on improving access to justice, addressing mutual concerns, and enhancing judicial efficiency.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and underscored the need for periodic engagements to tackle pressing issues such as:
- E-Filing and Online Payments: He highlighted challenges lawyers face with filing processes at the Federal High Court and advocated for wider adoption of e-filing and seamless online payment systems.
- Better Case Management: He proposed strategies to ease court congestion, including designating alternative courtrooms for high-profile cases to prevent disruptions due to heightened security.
Hon. Justice Tsoho affirmed the judiciary’s commitment to a strong bar-bench relationship. He noted that e-filing is operational in Abuja and Lagos but urged the NBA to sensitize members on virtual hearings and other technological advancements.
He also cautioned against uninformed public criticism of judicial decisions, advising lawyers to refrain from discussing ongoing cases or engaging the media on sub judice matters. In response, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, assured the bench that professional misconduct would be addressed through the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
To commemorate the Federal High Court’s 50th anniversary, the Chief Judge presented a golden emblem to the NBA President and executive members, symbolizing a shared commitment to justice and mutual respect.
This landmark visit reinforces the importance of collaboration between legal practitioners and the judiciary, ensuring a more efficient and balanced justice system that serves the public interest.
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