Lawyer Urges CJN to Fast-Track Supreme Court Appeal on Ponzhi Tarok Stool

By Israel Adamu, Jos

A human rights lawyer and indigene of Tarok Nation in Plateau State, Barr. Timzing Venyir Ramnap, has appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to expedite hearing of a pending appeal at the Supreme Court over the Ponzhi Tarok traditional stool.

The appeal, with suit number SC/114/2021 — Mr. Clement Cirman & 3 Ors v. Executive Governor of Plateau State & 3 Ors — concerns the appointment of a substantive Ponzhi Tarok, the paramount ruler of the Tarok people.

The case, filed at the Plateau State High Court on December 17, 2010, has passed through the Court of Appeal and is now awaiting final determination at the Supreme Court.

Both parties have filed and exchanged their briefs of argument, but a hearing date is yet to be fixed.

In a letter addressed to the CJN, Barr. Ramnap urged accelerated hearing of the matter, stressing that its resolution is crucial to leadership structure, unity, and development within Tarok Nation.

He expressed concern over the prolonged delay, noting that the traditional stool has remained vacant for years, a situation he said has affected governance and peace in the area.

“The prolonged delay in hearing this appeal is of great concern. Justice delayed in a matter affecting traditional leadership and community peace is justice denied,” he stated.

The lawyer urged the Chief Justice to direct the Supreme Court registry to assign an accelerated hearing date, describing the matter as one of urgent public importance.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Governor of Plateau State, and the Acting President of the Tarok Traditional Council.

He called on stakeholders to continue to pursue a peaceful and lawful resolution through the judicial process.