The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe Branch, has voiced strong opposition to the recent closure of the Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal and the subsequent transfer of all pending appeals to the newly established Maiduguri Division in Borno State. This decision, taken barely three months after the Gombe Division’s establishment, has been met with disapproval and concern, primarily due to the heightened security risks in Borno State and the logistical challenges it poses to lawyers and litigants from Gombe. The NBA Gombe Branch argues that the closure is illogical and unjust, given Gombe’s relative peace and stability compared to Borno, which continues to grapple with security concerns. The branch has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Chairperson of the National Judicial Council for urgent intervention and the immediate reopening of the Gombe Division.
While acknowledging the justification for establishing a Court of Appeal Division in Maiduguri to serve the legal needs of the region, the NBA Gombe Branch emphasizes that this should not necessitate the complete closure of the Gombe Division. They advocate for retaining a panel of judges in Gombe to handle the significant backlog of appeals originating from the state, thus mitigating the risks associated with travel to Maiduguri. The branch highlights the precarious security situation in Borno, referencing recent statements by the Borno State Governor concerning renewed insurgent activities. This underscores the inherent danger of requiring lawyers and litigants to travel through volatile areas, a risk they deem unacceptable. The Gombe Division, they argue, offers a safe and accessible alternative for dispensing justice within its jurisdiction.
Furthermore, the NBA Gombe Branch has presented compelling data to support its position, demonstrating that Gombe has the highest number of pending appeals and motions compared to Borno and Yobe, the other two states previously under the Gombe Division’s jurisdiction. The statistics reveal a significant disparity: 88 appeals pending in Gombe compared to 23 in Borno and 6 in Yobe, and 41 motions in Gombe compared to 30 in Borno and 6 in Yobe. This data, verifiable at the court registry, underscores the crucial role the Gombe Division plays in addressing the region’s appellate caseload. Closing the division and transferring these cases to Maiduguri not only burdens the Maiduguri Division but also disrupts the efficient administration of justice for Gombe litigants.
The NBA Gombe Branch also highlights the substantial investment already made in establishing and equipping the Gombe Division. The facilities, including office accommodations, staff quarters, and four permanent residences for justices, were largely provided by the Gombe State Government. These resources, now lying idle due to the closure, represent a significant commitment to ensuring access to justice within the state. The closure, therefore, represents not only a setback to the legal community but also a potential waste of public resources. The branch emphasizes that since its creation in 2020, the Gombe Division has been active and vibrant, serving a crucial role in the legal landscape of the region. Its sudden closure disrupts this progress and creates unnecessary inconvenience for all stakeholders.
In response to the closure and the perceived disregard for the safety and convenience of its members, the NBA Gombe Branch has resolved to boycott sittings of the Court of Appeal in Maiduguri. They maintain that their members should not be compelled to risk their lives travelling through insecure areas to attend court sessions that could and should be held in the safer environment of Gombe. This boycott is a strong statement of their commitment to the safety and well-being of their members and a call for a more just and practical approach to the administration of justice in the region. They are demanding that the authorities reconsider the closure and prioritize the safety and accessibility of the judicial process for all.
The NBA Gombe Branch has also called upon the Executive Governor of Gombe State to intervene in the matter and continue his support for federal institutions within the state. They recognize the Governor’s previous contributions to the establishment and functioning of the Gombe Division and appeal to him to advocate for its reopening. They believe that the Governor’s influence and commitment to providing access to justice within the state can be instrumental in resolving this issue. They are urging him to engage with the relevant federal authorities and push for a reconsideration of the decision, emphasizing the negative impact the closure has on the state’s legal community and the broader access to justice within Gombe.
