Outgoing Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, has explained why the court rejected attempts to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from contesting the 2015 presidential election.
Speaking at the occasion to mark the new Legal Year 2017/2018 in Abuja yesterday, Justice Auta said the Federal High Court preferred a level playing ground for all the candidates in the election.
The judge, who is set to retire next week after clocking the statutory 65 years, said the decision helped to keep the country together during and after the election.
“The nation therefore owes it to the judiciary and particularly Federal High Court for the unity of the country,” he said.
“We therefore join all other well-meaning Nigerians to pray for the good health of the President as he tries to give an exemplary leadership to the country and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of our founding fathers,” he added.
Justice Auta charged judges to be focused on delivering justice to the people and not to be distracted by the social media and “those that deliver judgment on the pages of newspaper.”
He listed his achievements from 2011 when he assumed offices to include new practice direction for offences such as terrorism, trafficking, rape, among others; Civil Aviation Procedure Rules 2013, AMCON Practice Direction 2013, front loading and e-filing of cases.
Also speaking, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) asked the judiciary to help adjudicate on the political and constitutional issues confronting the country.
Malami, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dayo Akpata, also asked the judges to ensure the judiciary retains its integrity, credibility and impartiality.
In his remarks, a member of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, J.K. Gadzama (SAN) called for solutions to the slow dispensation of justice in the country.
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