The Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Hon. Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, on Monday lamented the depleting ranks of Supreme Court Judges, declaring it as not too cheering.
The CJN said: “This is not cheering in view of the ever increasing number of appeals that flood the court daily.
Muhammad made the observation at the valedictory session in honour of Hon. Justice Amiru Sanusi, who bowed out of the Supreme Court bench having attained the mandatory age of retirement.
The provision of Section 291 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended pegged 70 years as age of retirement of every Justices of the Supreme Court.
But according to the CJN, the ceremony painfully occasioned the depleting of their ranks, saying: “This session, too, is billed to further drastically reduce the number of Supreme Court justices as low as 13.
“This is not cheering news in view of the ever increasing number of appeals that flood the court on daily basis.
“The highly embarrassing litigious nature of Nigerians gives no space for the justices of the court to rest their nerves.”
Eulogizing Sanusi at the occassion, the CJN described his knowledge of law and sound judgment as fascinating as his long and extensive experience in administration.
Delivering his own speech, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN said Sanusi lived out his entire career life on the bench as a reputable judge.
Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation, Dayo Apata, SAN, the AGF added that the jurist ability to handle tedious and technical matters enabled him served in several capacities in the Court of Appeals.
He therefore enjoined the gathering to reflect on the enormous contributions made by the jurist to the development of the judiciary and the legal system.
Represented by Chief Onomigbo Okpoko, SAN, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria noted that the jurist has paid his due to the nation and administration of justice.
He then describe Sanusi’ as a great achiever, adding that his was a graceful and honorable retirement.
In a short speech by the President, Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) Paul Usoro, said Sanusi exited the bench at a time being a judicial officer is becoming extremely risky enterprise.
The NBA according to him would continue to seek his counsel even in retirement whenever the need arises.
