Nigeria Content Online

The Akure division of the Appeal Court commenced
proceedings yesterday with the inaugural sitting of the appellate
court, five months after approval was granted.

At yesterday’s proceedings, six criminal appeal
cases were attended to by the three judges posted to the division by
the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami. They are the
presiding judge, N. S. Ngwuta, C.E. Iyizoba, and M.A.A. Adumein.

The Ekiti State governorship election appeal that
was heard at the Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State, would have been
heard at the Akure court if it had commenced sitting at that time.

Speaking before the beginning of proceedings, Mr.
Ngwuta remarked that the taking off of the Akure division of the court
was the fulfillment of people’s aspiration in the state to bring
administration of justice nearer to the people.

“I want to warn that in fulfillment of every
desire, there is an obligation created. It is our duty to lay proper
foundation for the new Court of Appeal division in the state, but to do
that better, we seek the co-operation between the Bench and the Bar.

“It is going to be joint responsibility. I urge you to be diligent
in your work, and you should not file frivolous petitions and
applications. Moreover, be honest in your dealings and in doing that,
you owe the court a higher duty,” the presiding justice stated.