Court of Appeal Establishes Special Panels in Rivers State

The Court of Appeal has established 17 special panels of judges within its Port Harcourt jurisdiction, designed to tackle a backlog of cases.

These panels, composed of 51 justices from various divisions, are set to address 357 appeals and 272 motions scheduled for hearing, and they will convene throughout the week at the court’s division and the high court complex.

This special session is a component of the court’s 50th anniversary festivities and includes the inauguration of the Court of Appeal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, located in Port Harcourt. This centre was built in tribute to Justice O.O. Daniel-Kalio, a longstanding member of the court, and represents a pivotal move towards enhancing access to justice and ensuring timely and effective dispute resolution.

During her welcoming speech, President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, characterized this event as an important moment to reflect on the court’s lasting role in shaping Nigeria’s legal landscape and to reaffirm its commitment to fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities in the interest of justice and national service.

In response, Cordelia Uwaoma Eke, Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, expressed her deep appreciation for the presence of the court's President and the esteemed group of judges in the city.