House Of Representatives Calls For Suspension Of FCT High Court Judges Recruitment

The House of Representatives has intervened in the recruitment process of Federal Court judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Abuja to suspend the ongoing recruitment until there is compliance with the Federal Character principle and quota system.

The decision came following the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent need to re-examine the list of proposed States to fill the 12 vacancies created to the disadvantage of others in the High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory.” The motion was brought forward by Mr. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.

In his address to the House, Mr. Enwo highlighted concerns raised by the media and civil society regarding the proposed list of states to fill the 12 vacant positions in the High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory. He emphasized that the recruitment process should adhere to the principle of Federal character, ensuring representation from all 36 states and the FCT.

Mr. Enwo expressed dismay over the lack of representation from Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, and Bayelsa states in the FCT High Court system, despite the presence of qualified individuals from these states serving as Magistrates or private legal practitioners in the FCT Court system.

The motion further underscored the importance of upholding the Federal Character Commission principle to promote equality of access in public service representations and to foster national unity.

Following the deliberation, the House adopted the motion and referred it to the Committees on FCT Judiciary and Judiciary for further investigation into the Federal Character approval granted for the recruitment process and the extent of compliance.