Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, is set to appear before the National Judicial Council (NJC) probe panel on Tuesday, October 29. This appearance will address judgments related to the Rivers political crisis. Justice Tsoho will respond to petitions submitted by lawyers and litigants concerning these political disputes and clarify why cases from Rivers are being heard in Abuja instead of the Port Harcourt division.
Lawyer Femi Falana recently sent a letter to the Chief Judge, questioning the rationale for hearing cases from Port Harcourt in Abuja, particularly since the Port Harcourt division has five judges available. He also noted allegations that judgments may be improperly influenced in Abuja.
The matter was brought to court, where Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who was overseeing one of the cases, declined to step aside in favor of the Port Harcourt division, stating that only the Chief Judge has the authority to assign cases.
It is important to mention that the election petition tribunals for Bayelsa, Kogi, Imo, and Rivers States convened in Abuja for the safety of judges and staff due to political instability in these regions. Additionally, the Chief Judge of the Rivers State High Court will appear before the NJC panel next week to address conflicting orders issued by state judges.