FCT Minister Marvels At 35 Years Exceptional Service By Appeal Court President

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has expressed surprise at the exceptional service rendered by the President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Moses Bello to the nation, even as he advised public officers to emulate him.

Malam Musa Bello, who spoke at a dinner organized by the FCT Administration in honour of Justice Moses Bello who retired after more than 35 years of service, including 26 years as head of the Federal Capital Territory Customary Court of Appeal, described him as wonderful servant.

“Your tenure as President, FCT Customary Court of Appeal has not been matched anywhere in this country because a person must be God chosen and be an exceptional person to be able to hold an exalted public office continuously for 26 years as a head of an organization. That is unsurpassed and I congratulate you for that.”

The minister called on public officers, especially the young ones to always put in their best in the service to fill the void created by the exit of such veterans as the retiring Justice.

“If we don’t hold on to the historical beginning of this city, we will never appreciate what this city is and we’ll never appreciate why we all need to put in a lot to make sure that we protect this city, we defend this city and uphold the unity that this city stands for and we do all that based on justice, hard work and fair play.”

The minister acknowledged the crucial role the judiciary has played in helping to rapidly transform the FCT beyond expectations, saying that the FCT Administration, in particular, has enjoyed tremendous support from the judiciary.

He recalled that the FCT Customary Court of Appeal was established as a Superior Court of Record pursuant to Decree No. 30 of 1991 and enshrined in Section 265, of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. It was charged with the mandate to exercise appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over issues of Customary Law and Chieftaincy matters in the Territory.

Responding Justice Moses Bello also called on all public servants to have patience, saying: “if you know what you are doing before God, stand by it. Nothing will happen to you, irrespective of the challenges that come with standing for the truth. If you give honest advice with due respect to your seniors, you will save yourself and you will save the institution.” [myad]