The year 2024 brings with it another important announcement from the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho. In a statement relayed by the office’s Director of Information, Dr. Catherine Christopher, in Abuja, the proclamation raises critical questions around judicial vacations.
Entitled “Notification of 2024 Christmas Vacation and Vacation Judges’ Schedule,” the statement highlights the importance of the vacation period to the judiciary in the FHC. In accordance with Rule 46, Rule 4 (C) of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019 (as amended), the Court will commence its Christmas vacation for the year 2024 from Monday, 16th December 2024 to Monday, 6th January 2025. Hearings are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, 7th January 2025 in all judicial divisions.
During this vacation period, the Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt Principal Judicial Divisions will remain open to the public for litigation. Only cases relating to the enforcement of fundamental rights, arrest or release of vessels and matters of urgent national interest will be dealt with by the vacation judges.
Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice M. S. Liman will serve as vacation judges in the Abuja Division, while Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac D. Dipeolu will serve in the Lagos Division. Finally, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A. T. Mohammed will serve in the Port-Harcourt Division.
This announcement highlights the importance of maintaining access to justice during vacation periods, while ensuring the continuity of essential judicial services. The appointment of competent vacation judges to handle urgent cases ensures a timely and effective response to pressing matters, while preserving the integrity and diligence of the judicial system.
In conclusion, the Federal High Court’s 2024 Christmas recess notification demonstrates the continued commitment to justice and fairness even during the recess periods. This careful planning and appointment of qualified judges reflects the FHC’s determination to ensure smooth and efficient functioning of the judiciary, in service to the Nigerian people.