The current Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati, is due for retirement. He became a Judge of the Federal High Court on October 31, 1991.

He will leave the Bench by July 25, 2019, on attainment of the mandatory statutory retirement age of 65 years. This will predictably pave way for Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, who was born on June 24, 1959, to emerge as the next Chief Judge. Tsoho is currently the second-in-command in the hierarchy of federal high court judges. Therefore, on the basis of his seniority, he is expected to be made the next chief judge of the Federal High Court, within this month.

It is established tradition and policy that appointment into the Office of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, is strictly based on order of seniority (except the most senior person is of questionable conduct), on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) but, subject to approval by the appointing authority, the President. The retirement age for judges of the Federal High Court, including the chief judge is on attainment of the statutory age of 65 years.

Appointment as a judge of the Federal High Court is based on the attainment of at least ten years of active legal practice in Nigeria, after being called to the Nigerian Bar. Justice Tsoho is currently in Court No.2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja. His

ability to effectively manage his court at all times is not in doubt. He, usually, displays very calm and courteous disposition towards counsel, jurors, witnesses and parties. He has a reputation for patiently listening to all sides that canvass arguments before him, and gives a bold and balanced verdict, which is a very commendable attribute of a Judge. Yours truly can attest that the justice has consistently exhibited patience, brilliance, open-mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, punctuality, firmness, understanding, compassion and humility in the discharge of his duties. This is obvious for all to see. His forbearance under provocation is highly commendable, as he handles personal stress without visiting it on others. He sees criticism and scrutiny as inherent in his position.

Tsoho’s ability in knowing and applying the law, rules and procedures to different facts and circumstances and his ability to quickly perceive or discern new concepts and ideas is another great asset, as there is no doubt about his general professional competence. He has also maintained uncommon standard of ethical conduct that stands him out, both in the general public and among his colleagues.

In line with the Muhammadu Buhari’s fight for “a corrupt-free” society, Tsoho will do better, because his courage and integrity are not in doubt. It is known that legal “courage” is “the willingness to do what the law requires the judge to do, even though the course the judge must follow is not the popular one.” “Integrity” is not being influenced by the identity, race, gender, political status, wealth or relationship of the parties or lawyers before the judge.

From the above, it is evident that Tsoho will be a chief judge with robust physical and mental health to perform the duties of his office; that he will render vigorous and effective service in the foreseeable future. He also has the ability to cope with conflict, pressure and stress.

Above all, His lordship is of “impeccable” character. He has a positive reputation in all his professional and community circles. His background is free of any references to immorality or indiscretions. He has no history of substance abuse or substance dependence; and free of any insinuations domestic violence. He has never been associated with publicly unacceptable conduct. Even his worst adversaries cannot contradict this.

•Adewole Kehinde, Abuja-based publisher and public affairs analyst, can be reached on:kennyadewole@gmail.com

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