JUSUN Strike: FHC Chief Judge Reviews Payment Of Default Fees

Following the two months strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has approved a new practice direction exempting payment of default fees for the period the court was shut down.

The Court’s Chief Information Officer, Catherine Oby Nwandu, disclosed this in a statement made available to THE WHISTLER on Friday.

A default fee is the cost a person is expected to pay if he or she defaults in a court process.

For instance, if one is expected to reply a suit (like counter affidavit) within five days; if it exceeds the stipulated day and the person has not replied, such person person will pay a fee for defaulting.

Justice Tsoho said the directive was essential and would take effect from Tuesday, the 15th day of June, 2021.

THE WHISTLER reported that the JUSUN strike which began on April 6 was aimed at compelling the federal and state governments to implement judicial autonomy for the sector, amongst other demands.

The CJ said judges, stakeholders and the general public should take note of the amendment.

Below is the directive:

“Pursuant to the powers conferred on him, he thereby issues the following Practice Directions:

1.COMPUTATION of Time for filing of court processes and payment of default fees for extension of time;
Notwithstanding the provisions of Order 48 Rule 4 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 on computation of time for filling of court proceedings or doing an act as provided by the Rules and payment of default fees for extension of time thereof, the period covering the JUSUN strike action, being from 6th day of April, 2021 to 14th day of June, 2021, is hereby exempted.

2. APPLICABILITY :These practice Directions shall, save to the extent or as may be otherwise directed by the Chief Judge, apply to both criminal and civil causes and matters in the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

3.CITATION: These Practice Directions shall be cited as the Federal High Court (Exemption of Payment of Default Fees for Filing of Processes) Practice Directions (No. 2) 2021.”