The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has admonished magistrates in the state always to uphold justice, integrity, and the rule of law in the overall interest of the ethical norms of justice.
Justice Halima Abdulmalik also reminded them to operate within the realm that shapes the lives of individuals, influences societal norms, and upholds justice.
Speaking at the opening of a one-day refresher course organised for magistrates by the Education and Training Committee of the Niger State Judiciary, held at Princess Azzahra Hotel in Minna on Thursday, the CJ explained that the training was an opportunity to pause and reflect on the profound responsibilities carried as judges and magistrates.
According to her, as judges and magistrates operate in what shapes the lives of individuals, influences societal norms, and upholds democracy, adding that, “our decisions resonate far beyond the courtroom, they echo through families, communities and the very fabric of our society.”
This weighty responsibility, Justice Halima Ibrahim observed, demands that as judges and magistrates, they are not only knowledgeable of the law but also equipped with the latest tools, insight, and best practices to navigate the complexities faced by the profession.
“As you embark on this refresher course, I urge you to approach every session with a keen mind and an open heart.
Our esteemed trainers and facilitators have meticulously designed this curriculum to cover the initiation of criminal and civil cases in magistrate and district courts, respectively, and the jurisdiction of the courts.
The jurisdiction of the magistrate and district courts in criminal and civil matters, default summons and infest developments in legal proceedings, among others,” she asserted.
She then urged the participants to embrace the opportunity afforded by the training to renew their perspectives, share experiences, and challenge their understanding, saying they must remain lifelong learners, for the law is not static — it is dynamic and requires continuous adaptation and growth.
“The Chief Judge requested the Magistrates to take the chance afforded through the refresher course by reminding themselves of the core values that unite them as Ministers in the temple of Justice, insisting that impartiality, fairness, and accountability stand tall among them.
Each case we encounter represents a unique set of circumstances that deserves our careful scrutiny and humane consideration.
We must strive to ensure that justice is served without prejudice or bias, and we must stand as guardians of the rights of every individual who comes before us,” she added.
Noting that as the justice system navigates the shifting sands of legal practice, the Chief Judge urged the participants not to lose sight of the humanity behind the cases they adjudicate.
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She emphasised that building empathy in practice enables them to appreciate the lives affected by their decisions as judges and magistrates.
She stressed, “that a quality that not only enhances our roles as judges but also reinforces public trust in our justice system.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Education and Training Committee of the State Judiciary, Justice Abdullahi Mikailu, commended the Chief Judge for the vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment that made this initiative a reality.
He said the inaugural education and training programme for magistrates in the jurisdiction is aimed at improving their skills, describing the training as a solemn reaffirmation of the collective commitment to the rule of law, judicial excellence, and to the sacred responsibility entrusted “to us by the society.”
According to Justice Mikailu, magistrates are often the first point of contact between the judiciary and the ordinary citizen. “The integrity, knowledge, and comportment of magistrates profoundly shape public perception of justice.”
He explained that it is imperative that magistrates are well-equipped not only with knowledge of the law but also with the ethical standards, judicial temperament, and procedural skills necessary to discharge their duties with fairness, diligence, and impartiality.
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