Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has called on the judiciary to remain committed to the principles of justice, fairness and equality.
The Governor made the call during the special court session to celebrate the 2023/2024 legal Year, held at the judiciary Complex, Minna.
Governor Umaru Bago acknowledged that the judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring Justice for all thereby making the society stable.
He emphasized the relentless efforts of the judiciary in protecting the rights of the citizens and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
While appreciating the steadfastness and commitment of Judiciary workers, the Governor said “We have witnessed the resilience of our legal system in the face of various challenges. The court has continued to dispense justice impartially and efficiently despite limited resources and a growing caseload”.
The Governor however called on them to ensure justice is timely and accessible, explore innovative strategies that would quicken the resolution of cases, and continue to promote ethical conduct and professionalism among others.
He promised his administration would strengthen the existing relationship between the Executive and Judiciary and would remain unwavering in supporting the judiciary in the area of welfare, promotion, accommodation and mobility among others.
Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik while acknowledging challenges and successes recorded by the State Judiciary revealed that the Judiciary in line with the provision of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law Section 528, has Inaugurated a monitoring team to check incidences of thuggery and insecurity bedevilling the State.
Justice Halima explained, that in a bid to enhance the administration of Justice in the State, there has been an issuance to abolish trial within trial in criminal cases to facilitate speedy dispensation of Justice with a call on members of the Bar who use all means to prolong hearings of cases to desist from it as such actions will no longer be tolerated.
The Chief Judge disclosed that 3,418 cases are pending in the year 2022/2023, 486 were freshly filed, 2,932 were brought forward from the preceding year with 448 cases disposed while for the Magistracy, 8,840 cases were filed, 5,478 were disposed and 3,243 are pending.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barr. Nasiru Mu’azu described the legal system as a guardian of human rights, a bulwark against injustice and a beacon of hope for those seeking redress.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Garba Tetengi SAN, the Chairman Nigeria Bar Association Minna branch, Waziri Muhammad and that of the Suleja branch, Ibrahim Bako appreciated the Chief Judge for her efforts in changing the judicial system of the State and solicited more collaboration with relevant stakeholders to always ensure effective Justice based on objectivity and without sentiments
A Legal year is an event that ushers in the new legal year and also provides an opportunity for Justices to reflect on the success and challenges of the previous year and look into the goals of the year ahead.
Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
17/10/2023.
