FHC Issues News Practice Directions on Pre-Election Matters 

FHC Issues News Practice Directions on Pre-Election Matters

The Federal High Court has issued a new practice directions on pre-election matters.

The new practice direction issued by the Chief Judge of the Court, Justice John Tsoho, now in force, is to ensure a fair, impartial, and expeditious determination of pre-election matters in all the divisions of the court nationwide.

The practice directions is expected to minimise the time spent dealing with interlocutory matters as well as exploring amicable settlement of issues before adjudication commeces.

The provisions of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2019 shall apply to any issue not provided for in the practice directions.

In recognition of the fact that pre-election cases are time-sensitive in nature, the registry of the court in all judicial divisions shall open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, exclusively for filing of pre-election matters.

To ensure speedy dispensation of justice, electronic mail and other electronic means may be used by the court to inform counsel of urgent court and case events.

Under the practice directions, the court and parties shall prevent unnecessary delays and accordingly, not more than two adjournments shall be granted to any party in the matters before the court.