Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal

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The Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal is a court of justice of second instance that has appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over matters of customary law in Rivers State. [1] It is presided over by a president assisted by a number of judges as prescribed by the Rivers State House of Assembly. The current president is Christy Nwankwo, having been appointed to office by Governor Ezenwo Wike since 29 May 2015. [2]

Rivers State State in South South, Nigeria

Rivers State, also known simply as Rivers, is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. According to census data released in 2006, the state has a population of 5,198,716, making it the sixth-most populous state in the country. Its capital and largest city, Port Harcourt, is economically significant as the centre of Nigeria's oil industry. Rivers State is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, to the North by Imo, Abia and Anambra States, to the East by Akwa Ibom State, and to the West by Bayelsa and Delta states. It is home to many indigenous ethnic groups: Ogoni, Abua, Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Ibani, Opobo, Eleme, Okrika, and Kalabari, Etche, Ogba, Engenni, Egbema, Obolo and others. The people from Rivers State are known as "Riverians".

Rivers State House of Assembly legislative arm of a state government in Nigeria

Rivers State House of Assembly is the legislative branch of the Government of Rivers State inaugurated in 1979. It is a unicameral body with 32 members elected into 32 state constituencies. The current Speaker of the State Assembly is Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi O. Ibani.

The Governor of Rivers State is the chief executive of the Rivers State government and is one of the governors of the thirty-six states of Nigeria. The governor is supported by the Deputy Governor, both popularly elected for a term of four years. The governor, as head of the executive branch, has the power to appoint commissioners responsible for each of the state's ministries, the heads of parastatals, judicial officers and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. He or she cannot be a member of the state House of Assembly.

Contents

Objectives

The objectives of the Court are to: [1]

  1. Interpret the culture and customs of the people of Rivers State while serving justice.
  2. Complement the work of the State High Court in justice delivery.

President

The president is appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly. To be eligible for the office, the Constitution requires that one must have been a legal practitioner in Nigeria for over 10 years with substantial knowledge and experience in the field of customary law. The first president of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal was Peter N.C. Agumagu. He served from 2008 until 2014. [3]

See also

The Judiciary of Rivers State is a branch of the Government of Rivers State that has sole authority and responsibility for the interpretation and application of the state's laws as well as the adjudication of disputes or controversies.

The High Court of Justice, Rivers State's highest court, is composed of the Chief Judge of Rivers State and such number of judges appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subject to confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

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