Saleh Changed the Face of the Supreme Court
Anyone who has visited the Supreme Court in recent time will testify to the beautification of the complex.
The Supreme Court, which is the highest court in Nigeria, is located in the Central District, Abuja, in what is known as the Three Arms Zone, due to the proximity to the Presidential Complex and the National Assembly. It is unarguably one of the nation's national monuments and like its counterpart in other climes, a treasure and symbol of national authority to behold. The apex court complex in Abuja was built over 20 years ago by the General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s military government.
Like many monuments in Nigeria, the Supreme Court had also suffered from lack of repairs. It faced serious infrastructural decay, wear and tear until the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Mahmud Mohammed (GCON) and the immediate past Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Gambo Saleh, assumed leadership of the nation’s judiciary and administration of the Supreme Court respectively.
The Chief Registrar, with the support of the CJN, embarked on infrastructural upgrading of the facilities and face-lifting of the complex, to enhance performance efficiency, and provide a conducive working environment for the justices and the supporting staff of the apex court.
Beginning from November 24th, 2014, a comprehensive overhaul of the complex's infrastructures began. Among others, anyone who recently visited the court, would have noticed the following:
Landscaping
The visible features of the surrounding of the complex have been re-designed with more paved walkways, gardening with lawns continuously kept tidy. Several watering pipes and sprinkling taps were installed to keep the lawns, shrubs and trees ever green, even during dry season. New flower pots now adorn the driveways. The premises has indeed become more beautiful to behold.
Renovation
For instance, the roofing sheets of the entire complex were replaced. This is a major work on its own. The vast external white tiled walls were cleaned up with chemical and machines, while the internal walls have been re-painted. So many offices within the complex have either been rehabilitated or reconstructed, and now boast of state of the art fittings, including furniture, gadgets, computers, windows and bullet proof doors, just to mention a few. Among the offices upgraded are Internal Audit, Accounts, Information Technology offices, and the Litigation Department. The main entrance to the complex, has also been re-tooled with sensory doors. The CJN's chambers was re- touched with better fittings and carpeting. The foyer or ceremonial hall, where major events are conducted in the complex, was also touched. An e-library was also installed.
Two fully furnished state of the art canteens have also been constructed and equipped with air- conditioning and modern day facilities. The canteens are now being run by professionals, to cater for the needs of staff and visitors alike.
New Befitting Retiring-Rooms for Justices
To ease the work of the justices, marble-tiled retiring rooms containing dining, rest rooms and relaxing furnishings, have been constructed adjacent to each of the three court rooms in the complex. Attached to each of these rooms, is an up-to-date library for research.This, is in addition to the main library.
The Supreme Court Registry has streamlined and improved the archival and retrieval process of case files. This is to curtail the loss and/or misplacement of case files, and its incendiary effects as was the case in the past.
There has also been an upgrade of the security architecture of the court, in line with the security realities of our country. Scanners were also installed, to ensure no one smuggles any harmful objects into the court.
Going Digital
The interviews of candidates for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, are now streamed live on the website of the Supreme Court. This was for all members of the public to view and assess the suitability or otherwise of the interviewees, in order to forestall allegations of preferential treatment, bias and nepotism, in the appointment process. The New Legal Year Ceremony is also streamed live on the apex court website, another first in the history of the Supreme Court and the Nigerian Judiciary.
The courtrooms have been completely re-structured, re-constructed and re-fitted with ultra-modern digital and state of the art equipment, and computers that can compete comparatively with courts anywhere in the advanced world. Some of the new features are:
Technology Enabled Judge's Bench
Justices benches are fitted with computer displays and Audio Visual Equipment, which enables each justice to view exhibits and documents, control court proceedings and make research on citation. These features are also available on the registrars and attorneys' desks, for effective synchronisation.
High Definition Audio/Video Recording Equipment
These latest technologies, enable the courtroom to be connected to a unified system that has a central repository for all audio/video recordings proceedings and associated linked notes. The court records include the transcripts, audio or audio and video recordings of any hearings, appearances and courtroom proceedings.
New Court Reporting Software
The FTR Software, a powerful solution for digital court reporting, is also implemented in this project. It allows real-time transcription and transmission of court proceedings. This software works by capturing, annotating, playing back and managing the record of court proceedings. Up to 4- channel audio can be recorded and managed. FTR Reporter also facilitates electronic court reporting through linked note-taking, as well as review and playback of pre-recorded content.
High Technology Mobile Podium for Presentation
The focal point of the evidence presentation system, is the podium. The podium is mounted on a swivel base to enable the presenter face the judges or the barristers, as may be required. The podium contains a touch-screen monitor for viewing and make-up of evidence sources, including the document camera and various other inputs. There are also USB and SD Card connections for displaying media from these external devices. There is a remote control that can be operated by the presenter. The podium also houses electronic components, that gather and disseminate the media throughout the courtroom.
Document Camera
A document camera, to display exhibits which can be viewed by judges, registrars and Lawyers. It instantaneously converts a paper document or physical exhibit, to an electronic image, with ability to enlarge and reduce the image as needed. This new design has a high definition room camera unit strategically positioned in the courtroom, as well as fish-eye camera to capture all aspects of the courtroom. This will enable full viewing and recording of courtroom sessions.
Enhanced Room Audio Speakers
To ensure good quality sound, the court has been fitted with 6 pairs of Extron Speed Mount 2-Way Surface Mount Speakers, with 6.5’’ woofer and 70/100 V Transformer, suitably located around the room.
Viewing Screens
New screens that will enable court audiences to have a better view of proceedings, have been mounted in all courtrooms of the Supreme Court.