Justice Augie: Amend Constitution for Effective Functioning of Supreme Court

Justice Amina Adamu Augie, CFR, has called on the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, so as enhance the functioning of courts in Nigeria.

Justice Augie was speaking in Abuja at a Valedictory Court session held in her honour on Thursday last week, as she bowed out of the Supreme Court Bench on September 3, 2023, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years for judicial officers.

“This marks the final instance where my voice will be heard in any court, and I wish to use this opportunity to directly address the 10th National Assembly, through distinguished Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was once my student at the Law School’’.

She said, the Supreme Court, is the Apex Court of the land and its final decisions shape society’s social order, adding that, Justices of the Court should be able to focus on what truly matters, issuing directives for formulating specific policies or amending existing ones to better serve their intended purposes.

“But how can they do that, when they are drowning in an overwhelming caseload. The only way forward, as highlighted by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola during the special session marking the commencement of the 2022/2023 legal year, is to amend the Constitution to restrict the circumstances under which appeals can reach this court.

Amongst those who sent goodwill messages, is Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN who congratulated Justice Augie as she retired from the Supreme Court Bench. The congratulatory massage signed by Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN and sent to her partly reads: “This auspicious day is a wonderful time to reflect on your Lordship’s many ground-breaking accomplishments of the past years.

“As a Chief Magistrate in the Sokoto State Judiciary, Your Lordship had always been applauded for the sterling qualities of hard work, integrity and unreserved commitment to national growth and development. This is evident by the numerous awards and decorations your Lordship has earned over the years.

“Your Lordship’s immeasurable contributions to the advancement’ of the Judiciary and our dear nation Nigeria, through many years of meritorious national service, is indeed, commendable. Your Lordship’s quest for justice, equity and fairness, is worthy of emulation by us all and generations to come. I have had the great privilege to be taught by your Lordship at the Nigerian Law School from 1985-1986, and have appeared several times before your Lordship at the Supreme Court. Your Lordship remains my mentor, even after a glorious retirement from the Bench.

“Indeed, the mark Your Lordship has left on the Judiciary and the entirety of the legal profession, will serve as a reference point and inspiration for Lawyers across the globe. As Your Lordship celebrates this gargantuan milestone, it is my earnest prayer that the many years ahead be blessed with divine grace, good health and prosperity.”