Gov Inuwa reiterates commitment to judicial reforms, autonomy

•as NBA honours Inuwa for contributions to justice sector development

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary in the state through comprehensive reforms, infrastructural upgrades, and improved welfare for judicial officers, aimed at ensuring speedy justice delivery and equal access to the rule of law.

The Governor made these remarks at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony held at the High Court Complex in Gombe.

Addressing judicial officers, legal practitioners, and other dignitaries at the event, Inuwa Yahaya lauded the judiciary for its outstanding achievements in the past year, particularly in the resolution of cases across various courts.

According to him, “As we look back, it is important to commend the judiciary for its numerous achievements and successes, particularly in the speedy resolution of cases at all levels, including the High Courts, Sharia Courts, Magistrates, and Area Courts. Your commitment to justice has been instrumental in maintaining law and order in our dear state.”

The Governor emphasised the need for sustained judicial reforms, highlighting his administration’s efforts to address staff shortages.

Inuwa said, “We are taking bold steps to address challenges in the judiciary, including staff shortages caused by retirements, deaths, and transfers. These shortages have impacted the administration of justice, and we are determined to remedy this by appointing more judges to the State High Court, Sharia Courts, and Magistrate Courts, as well as other supporting judicial staff. This will help strengthen the judiciary and ensure that justice is accessible to all.”

He further announced steps taken to improve working conditions for judicial officers, including promotions, capacity-building programmes, and training initiatives, stressing his administration’s focus on modernizing the judiciary through digital transformation to ensure efficiency, streamline processes, and facilitate timely case management.

Speaking on infrastructure provision for the judicial arm, the Governor spotlighted the ongoing construction of a new State High Court Complex as evidence of his administration’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for judicial activities, stating that plans are underway to renovate and upgrade smaller courts across the state.

He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to the financial autonomy of the judiciary, stating that “As part of our efforts to strengthen the judiciary, we remain unwavering in our commitment to its financial autonomy.

“A financially independent judiciary is essential for safeguarding its independence, ensuring effective administration, and upholding the rule of law. We will continue to provide the necessary support to enable the judiciary to discharge its functions without hindrance.”

The Governor commended the judiciary for its professionalism and integrity, acknowledging the harmonious relationship among the three arms of government in Gombe State as a testament to good governance and collective commitment to the rule of law while urging all stakeholders to collaborate in building a justice system that is fair, accessible and efficient.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima S. Mohammed, revealed that a total of 616 cases bordering on civil criminal and human rights abuses were filed at the state high court out of which 555 litigations were disposed of leaving a few below 70 cases as pending.

At the magistrate and district courts, the chief judge added that a total of five thousand four hundred and seventy criminal cases were filed with 3,568 effectively determined, underscoring the timely dispensation of justice with the judicial system of the state.

She expressed gratitude to Governor Inuwa Yahaya for awarding the multi-billion naira contract for the construction of an ultra-modern high court complex and other multiplicity of friendly interventions.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Muhammad Umar said that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya is practically instrumental to the successes and achievements recorded by his Ministry in its quest to advance the frontiers of Justice delivery.

The commissioner used the occasion to address the controversy surrounding the purported relocation of the Court of Appeal (Gombe division), explaining that the periodic sitting of the court in Maiduguri is a usual practice within the judicial system.

Earlier in his address, the Gombe State chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benjamin Sati explained that while administrative gaps exist within the Judiciary, the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya has shown remarkable leadership in its support for an independent judiciary.

He said, “We extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, the Governor of Gombe State, for his commitment to infrastructural development. Notable among these is the ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art High Court complex, a project that underscores your administration’s dedication to enhancing the justice sector.

“We also commend the recent appointment and swearing-in of five Magistrates and 46 Area Court Judges—a remarkable step toward strengthening the judiciary.”

During the event, the NBA honoured Governor Inuwa Yahaya with an award of excellence in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the development of the justice sector in Gombe State.

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