Federal High Court Begins Vacation, Introduces Use of E-Affidavits

The Federal High Court of Nigeria has said that it will embark on its annual vacation July 23.

It has also issued a new practice directions on the use of its newly introduced Electronic Affidavit (E-Affidavit).

The court, however, disclosed that six judges would be available to address issue of burning concern prior to the vacation at three of its divisions in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

The Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, announced the vacation date, pursuant to the provisions of Order 46, Rule 4 (d) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.

Though the break period is slated to end on September 13,  the court said it would resume full sitting on September 16.

Tsoho stated: “This is in order for Hon. Judges to enjoy their well-deserved rest and to prepare for the tasks and activities of the New Legal year.

“Consequently, the litigating public will be at liberty to approach only the under listed functional Courts amongst the three premier divisions located nearest to them with matters of extreme urgency: Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt.

“The Vacation Judges are: Abuja, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, Hon. Justice Peter O. Lifu. Lagos; Hon. Justice Akintayo Aluko, Hon. Justice Isaac D. Dipeolu. Port Harcourt; Hon. Justice A. T. Mohammed, Hon. Justice P. M. Ayua.

“The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Honourable Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, OFR, KSS, FCIArb.(UK) wishes his fellow lordships a pleasant Vacation in advance,” the statement, which was signed by the Court’s Assistant Director of Information/ICT, Catherine Oby Christopher, further read.

Meanwhile, the court, in a separate statement, issued new practice directions on the use of its newly introduced Electronic Affidavit (E-Affidavit).

The CJ said such would aid an efficient, transparent and prompt issuance of E-Affidavits in compliance with global best practices.
He said the directions would not only protect the interest of litigants and other users who desire the use of E-Affidavit, but also regulate standard of issuance of E-Affidavit upon payment of prescribed fees.