High court refutes alleged plot to frustrate Acting CJ’s appointment

The Federal High Court, Abuja, has dismissed claims of alleged plans to frustrate the appointment of Justice John T. Tsoho as substantive Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court.

It distanced itself from groups and individuals making public statements on succession to the leadership of the court.

Reacting to a statement credited to the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) on alleged attempts to tamper with the hierarchy of the court, Chief Registrar of the court, Emmanuel Gakko, said the court and Justice Tsoho has nothing to do with the group.

He also denied any knowledge of an attempt to usurp the confirmation of Justice Tsoho as the CJ of the Federal High Court.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the Federal High Court and indeed Justice Tsoho, hereby completely disassociate ourselves from any persons or groups that have made public statements concerning succession to the leadership of the court,” he said.

He also stated that Justice Tsoho knew the procedures for succession to the leadership of the court, which they said, has not been breached in any manner.

“Our attention has been drawn to claims in some media reports and press conferences by certain persons and groups, notably, the CUPP on alleged attempts to tamper with the hierarchy and (or) succession to the headship of the Federal High Court.

“It is alleged that a plot has been uncovered to stop the emergence of Justice Tsoho, who is the most senior Judge in the Court, as substantive CJ. It is also alleged that the plot is driven by ethnic and religious considerations.

“We wish to state that there are well-established policies and procedures guiding succession, not only in the Federal High Court but also for all the hierarchy of courts in Nigeria,” he stated.