Sequel to the call by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho for suitably qualified persons to be nominated to the bench of the Federal High Court, The Nigerian Bar Association through its Judiciary Committee has requested for expression of interest from lawyers interested in being appointed to the Federal High Court from the shortlisted states.

The states shortlisted are: Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto and Zamfara.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the NBA Judiciary Committee, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN and made available to the ASKLEGALPALACE correspondent.

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from the shortlisted States who are suitably qualified and are interested in applying for appointment to the Federal High Court Bench are enjoined to submit an expression of interest to the National Secretariat of the NBA on or before 31st January 2022.

Read the full statement below

11th January, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

RE: APPOINTMENT OF FIFTEEN ADDITIONAL JUDGES FOR THE

FEDERAL HIGH COURT BENCH: CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho has by a letter dated 20th December 2021 called for nomination of suitably qualified persons from the following States for appointment to the Federal High Court Bench. The States in question are: Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto and Zamfara.

Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from the shortlisted States who are suitably qualified and are interested in applying for appointment to the Federal High Court Bench are enjoined to submit an expression of interest to the National Secretariat of the NBA on or before 31st January 2022 addressed to:

The President

Nigerian Bar Association c/o Grace Igyo, Esq.

Head, Legal Services Department

Nigerian Bar Association, National Secretariat

Plot 1101 Cadastral Zone A00 Central Business District Abuja.

All expressions of interest should include the following:

A copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae A copy of the applicant’s call to bar certificate Evidence of payment of bar practicing fees for the past 10 years Evidence of payment of NBA branch dues for the past 10 years Evidence of attendance at conferences of the NBA Evidence of membership of sections or fora of the NBA A letter of good standing from the Chairman of your Branch confirming that you possess the qualities set out in Rule 4(4)(1)(a), (b) and (d) of the NJC’s Guidelines for the Appointment of Judicial Officers for Superior Courts of Record. For the avoidance of doubt, these qualities are reproduced hereunder: “In all cases:

Good character and reputation, diligence and hard work, honesty, integrity and sound knowledge of law and consistent adherence to professional ethics; As may be applicable:

Active Successful practice at the Bar, including satisfactory presentation of cases in Court as a Legal Practitioner either in private practice or as a Legal Officer in any Public Service; Credible record of teaching law, legal research in a reputable University and publication of legal works …”

Upon receipt of the expressions of interest, the National Secretariat shall publish the names of the interested candidates and request comments thereon from members of the NBA.

For further enquiries, kindly call the following numbers: 07039084181, 07034631029 and 08065901348

Kindly note that ONLY APPLICATIONS FROM MEMBERS IN THE SHORTLISTED STATES will be attended to.

Sincerely, Dr. Babatunde Ajibade, SAN, (Ph.d), FCIArb Chairman NBA Judiciary Committee