The President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, has convened a Special Commemorative Sitting at the Abuja Division as part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of the Court.
In a related event, the Court, on Thursday in Abuja, held a luncheon in honour of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, Presiding Justice of the Abuja Division, ahead of his retirement from judicial service upon attaining the constitutionally prescribed age of 70 years.
In his welcome address, the Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Barr. Umar Bangari, described the occasion as a celebration of “an erudite scholar and one of the Justices of the Court of Appeal who will soon retire from services of the court.”
He explained that the event was brought forward due to ongoing special sittings in Abuja
“We wish my lord, Honourable Justice Hamma Barka, the very best of life after retirement. And as it is too with many judicial officers who leave service, my lord is retired, but we are sure my lord will not be tired of coming back to us whenever we need my lord for services, and we will surely need my lord for one or two things in the course of his retirement.
In their goodwill messages, Colleagues and staff commended Justice Barka’s exemplary character, describing him as “an epitome of hard work, decency, respect, integrity, and dignity,”
Many described the retiring jurist as “a gentleman, an amiable person, and indeed, a very good leader,” who provided mentorship and guidance that contributed significantly to the achievements of the Abuja Division.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, expressed profound gratitude to Hon. Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, PJCA, Abuja Division, for his invaluable service and contributions to the judiciary and the nation
“… I thank you for the peace that you’ve given me through the three years that you have managed the affairs of the Abuja Division. I can say without fear of contradiction that my association with the Abuja Division has been both peaceful and productive because of the manner in which my lord Justice Barka has managed the affairs of the Division.” She added.
Justice Dongban-Mensem highlighted the operational significance of the Special Sitting:
“A total of twenty-one (21) panels were constituted, comprising sixty-three (63) Honourable Justices drawn from various Divisions, including my humble self. A total of Three Hundred and Thirty (330) appeals, covering civil, criminal, and commercial matters, were listed and heard before these panels. While some panels sat within the Court of Appeal Headquarters and Abuja Division, others sat at designated courtrooms graciously made available within the Federal Capital Territory.”
“Over the course of this Special Sitting, we resolved 330 appeals. I insisted that all 330 appeals must be clean and ripe for hearing, with no pending motions. Most of you can attest that the files were indeed clean. In just four days, the Court of Appeal in Abuja disposed of 330 appeals, which means over the next three months, more than 600 litigants considering cross appeals will have received decisions.” she noted, adding that the exercise reflected the Court’s commitment to improving the administration of justice.
Prayers were offered for the celebrant by Hon. Justice Mohammed Danjuma, JCA, and Hon. Justice J.E. Ekanem, JCA, respectively.
In his response, Hon. Justice Hamma Akawu Barka expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, colleagues, and staff for the honour accorded him.
