Appeal Court sets up seven panels to decongest backlog of cases

The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on Monday, constituted seven special panels to expedite hearing in all pending appeals.

Justice Dongban-Mensem announced the setting up of the panels during the maiden edition of her conference with Presiding Justices of the 20 Divisions of the Court of Appeal.

She said she was disturbed over backlog of appeals that are pending for adjudication.

“This conference was specially chosen to promote a sense of togetherness by enabling the most experienced minds to be deployed on Special de-congestion Panels that will tackle the most congested Divisions.

“The special panels will sit in two sessions daily for three days to depose of over 100 motions.

“This became necessary in view of the lingering appeals clustering the Court due to what she described as the unwillingness of some litigants who go into deep slumber without filing complete processes.

“The Court of Appeal cannot be used as a tool in the hands of these litigants who go into deep slumber.

” All notices of appeal filed without being followed with other processes to ensure quick prosecution and disposal of the appeal should be shown the way out.

” We have sufficient provisions in our rules, which are backed by Constitutional provision for the disposal of matters in court,” she said.

The president stated:”in a nation with teeming unemployed graduates and restive youths, we must do their part to create jobs by ensuring that all appeals are heard expeditiously especially those which involve corporate bodies and businesses which can provide jobs for our youths,” she added.