Jukun/Tiv crisis: Court awaits new judge to hear suit

A Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo Friday adjourned a suit challenging the composition of the commission of inquiry into the crises between Tiv and Jukun neighbouring communities in Taraba State, pending the resumption of a new judge.

At the resumed hearing of the suit in Jalingo,  Sabastine Hon SAN, Edward Ashiekaa SAN, Douglas Pepe SAN and five others  announced appearances for the plaintiff.

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Though neither the defendants nor their counsels were in court, Hon SAN told the court that the defendants were served with hearing notices and prayed the court to hear the suit since it was a fundamental right enforcement suit.

Presiding Judge, Justice Stephen Pam, in a short ruling said he was sitting for the last time in the Jalingo division as a judge and adjourned the suit indefinitely pending the resumption of a new judge in the division.

“For the past six years that I  have been in the Jalingo division as a judge, this is the first time I am having three Senior Advocates of Nigeria at the same time in the court and I would have loved to hear the suit,” he said.

Justice Pam said he was on transfer and was expected to report to his new station on the 12th of next month and  thus adjourned the case pending resumption of  the incoming judge to preside.

“The incoming judge will study the case file and communicate a new adjourned date to you accordingly”, he further stated.