The Federal High Court yesterday directed its judges throughout the federation to stop granting interim and ex-parte orders on all political cases in the country.

The directive was given obviously to forestall the confusion that may arise from pre-election matters ahead of the 2019 general election. This would mean that all litigations arising from primary elections of political parties and other pre-election matters will henceforth be determined based on the merit of such cases, as the court would no longer interrupt any process pending the determination of the substantive suit.

By this directive, the court is poised to do substantial justice, unlike in the past when desperate politicians and their lawyers would arm-twist the court to sacrifice substantial justice on the altar of technicalities. The Federal High Court also directed all its judges to conclude impending political cases before them by the end of October.

Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Abdul Kafarati made these known yesterday in Abuja during a special court session to mark the commencement of the court’s 2018/2019 legal year.

Kafarati explained that controversy, which would ensue, particularly from political cases, can be reduced when the court takes decisions after hearing all parties in the case. This, according to him, will forestall hiccups and the blame on the Court by politicians.

•Excerpted from a Leadership report

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