By Thompson Yamput.
The Kogi State High Court is set to introduce a new set of Civil Procedure Rules aimed at reforming and modernizing court processes, with implementation scheduled for the commencement of the next Legal Year.
The Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Josiah Majebi, announced this on Thursday during the inauguration of the court’s second-quarter Appeal Session held at the state judiciary headquarters in Lokoja.
Justice Majebi disclosed that the revised rules were meticulously reviewed by a committee chaired by Hon. Justice Abdul Awulu, noting that the revised Civil Procedure Rules address critical gaps in the current system,tailored to meet modern judicial demands.
“The new rules have been carefully crafted to reflect the realities and evolving needs of judicial administration We intend to have all necessary mechanisms in place to ensure their seamless implementation before the end of the current Legal Year,”Justice Majebi said.
The review committee chairman highlighted key amendments, including the abolition of pre-trial conferences, the institutionalization of virtual proceedings, the introduction of electronic filing (e-filing), and the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in select matters.
Other enhancements,he added ,include updates to probate administration procedures and a comprehensive review of court filing fees.
“These amendments are designed to align our procedural rules with contemporary practices in jurisdictions of similar standing,” Justice Awulu stated.
Justice Majebi commended the committee, which include representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Kogi State Ministry of Justice, for their diligence and commitment to the rule of law.
He emphasized the importance of synergy between the Bench and the Bar in ensuring effective court operations, particularly during appeal sessions.
“I urge all legal practitioners appearing before the appellate panels to adhere strictly to procedural ethics and to commit to expeditious resolution of matters.Timely justice is critical, and I expect full cooperation in ensuring that cases are concluded within stipulated timelines,”he said.
Justice Majebi ,who acknowledged the sacrifices made by Judges deployed to various divisions across the state to preside over the appeal sessions,called on members of the Bar to complement these efforts by promoting speedy dispensation of justice.
“The commencement of this appeal session is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice in Kogi State. We remain committed to upholding the principles of the rule of law, fairness, and judicial integrity in all our proceedings,”he noted.
The appeal sessions will take place across six judicial divisions in the state, with two panels each assigned to Lokoja, Ankpa, and Idah.
A total of 75 appeals, primarily new filings, are scheduled to be heard.
The Chief Judge noted that the introduction of quarterly appeal sessions has substantially reduced the backlog of cases inherited by his administration.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
