The Federal Government has called on the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to refrain from issuing orders and judgments that are practically incapable of enforcement.
During the opening session of the statutory meeting of the ECOWAS Judicial Council in Abuja, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the need for the regional court to consider the specific circumstances of member states.
Fagbemi expressed concern over judicial pronouncements from the ECOWAS court that were difficult to enforce, urging the court to pay attention to member states’ peculiarities.
He also highlighted the importance of promoting and deepening alternative dispute resolution measures within the region to address legal challenges effectively.
In response, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, stressed the Council’s commitment to safeguarding the autonomy of courts and judges to ensure fair and impartial adjudication of disputes.
Additionally, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Mr. H. E. Omar Touray, emphasized the need to address challenges affecting the effective operation of the Community Court, including enforcement of judgments.
Touray called for regular meetings of the Judicial Council to review and guide the activities of the Court, particularly in promoting the rule of law and human rights amid instability and insecurity in the region.
