Bauchi State governor Bala Muhammad has sworn in newly appointed High Court judges and Shari’a Court of Appeal Khadis to uphold and dispense justice.
The governor appointed six High Court Judges and six Khadis for the Shariah Court of Appeal, respectively.
At the swearing-in ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Government House Bauchi, the governor emphasised the judiciary’s importance in promoting justice and ensuring the rule of law.
He urged the new judges to dispense justice without fear or favour and to be guided by fairness, equity, and justice principles.
While congratulating the judges and khadis on their appointment, Governor Mohammed noted that it was a testament to their hard work and dedication to the legal profession.
He also reminded them that their new position comes with great responsibility and that they must work tirelessly to uphold the judiciary’s integrity.
Governor Muhammad also urged the newly sworn-in judges and Khadis to work towards decongesting the correctional facilities in the state. He noted that the facilities were currently overcrowded, posing a significant challenge to the administration of justice.
The governor charged the judges with prioritising cases involving inmates awaiting trial for extended periods and ensuring that justice is served without delay. He also urged them to explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration, to reduce the backlog of court cases.
On her part, the chief judge, Justice Rabi Umar, who administered oaths on the appointees, commended Governor Mohammed for the confidence reposed in the new judges.
She said they would work tirelessly to uphold the principles of justice and fairness and to ensure that the judiciary in Bauchi State remains a beacon of hope for the people.
Justice Umar assured the governor that the judiciary was committed to decongesting the correctional facilities, noting that the judiciary had already begun to implement measures to speed up the trial process and would continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served without delay.
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