• Her exit depletes S’Court justices to 11 as against constitutional requirement of 21
• CJN: Adamu-Augie’s judgments incisive, analytical, rich in content & context
* FG ‘ll improve welfare, conditions of service of judicial officers – AGF Fagbemi
Retiring Justice of Supreme Court (JSC) , Justice Amina Adamu-Augie, has made a case for reduction of workload of the apex court, saying there is the need for constitutional amendment to limit the cases that come up to the final court in the land.
The JSC bowed out from the Bench on Thursday, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Incidentally, Adamu- Augie’s retirement has further depleted the number of JSCs at the Supreme Court to 11.
It is instructive to note that in July, the number of JSCs at the Supreme Court was reduced to 12 after the death of a JSC, Justice Chima Centus Nweze, as against the constitutional requirement of 21.
Speaking at a valedictory session held in her honour on Thursday, Adamu-Augie decried the workload that the apex court JSCs have to contend with in the course of their official assignments.
She said, “One remarkably day, we found ourselves entertaining an appeal in an unusual criminal case.
“Surprisingly, it was not the accused or convict, who had filed the appeal. It was the state. The case involved an incident of arson where 12 goats were set ablaze.
“As we grappled with the load of pending judgments and the stack of files awaiting review for our upcoming conference- a sacred ritual in this court- I could not help but voice my astonishment.
“Something must change. This court is the apex court, and its final decisions shape society’s social order. Justices should be able to focus on what truly matters.
“They could issue directives for formulating specific policies or amend existing ones to better serve their intended purposes.
“But how can they do that when they are drowning in an overwhelming caseload?
“This marks the final instance where my voice will be heard in any court and I wish to use this opportunity to directly address the 10th National Assembly, through distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was once my student at the Law School.
“I had the privilege of teaching him evidence and I trust that he learned well.
“Hence, it should be evident to him that swift action is needed from the 10th National Assembly to accomplish what others could not – amending the Constitution to enhance the functioning of our courts in Nigeria.”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, had earlier described Adamu-Augie as “a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety”.
The CJN also said, “ Her judgments are not only incisive but equally analytical and rich in content and context.
“Her robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are fascinating and captivating, too.
“Her impeccable attention to detail in every matter that came before her is alluring and salutary as well.”
In his speech at the event, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the Federal Government is committed to improving the welfare and condition of service of judicial officers in the country.
He said, “President Bola Tinubu-led government shall guarantee excellent conditions of service and remunerations good enough to appreciate the onerous duties of judicial officers at all levels.”
