The Federal High Court Abuja has ordered the Governor of Edo State to appear before it to show cause why he has delayed and refused to swear in eight Judges-designate of the Edo State High Court, who were recommended for appointment as Honourable High Court Judges by the National Judicial Council since June 2023.
The matter with suit number FHC/ABJ/1634/2023 was instituted as a public interest litigation by an Edo-born lawyer, Adaze Andrew Emwanta Esq, against the Governor of Edo State, the Attorney General and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The court presided over by Hon. Justice O. A Egwuatu after hearing the application and submission of counsel for the Plaintiff/Applicant, Dafenone Akpomudiare Esq, of Idahagbon & Co., gave a bench ruling on the motion ex-parte.
The judge in his ruling held that “it is hereby ordered that an Order of this Honourable Court is made for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Defendants/Respondents, their assigns, agents however so called to show cause why the reliefs of the Plaintiff/Applicant in his originating summons should not be granted with respect to the prolonged delay and/or refusal of the 2nd and 3rd Respondents to swear in the eight (8) judicial officers-designate recommended by the 1st Defendant/Respondent as Judges of the Edo State High Court”.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to the 22nd of January 2024.
All the defendants/ respondents have been served the court enrolled order.
Under the Federal High Court rules the Governor and other defendants in the case have three days to comply with the order to show course, by filing their court processes as Respondents to the order of court.