By Nimake Earland
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has faulted some people in the state judiciary who engage in unwholesome activities in the course of discharging their duties, a development that is dragging the name of the judiciary in the mud.
The governor stated this on Monday in Bauchi while swearing in the state new Grand Khadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, four new Khadis, a high court judge, and 16 newly appointed Special Advisers.
He said the bad elements among them were abusing their privileged positions and insisted that there was the need to reverse the ugly trend in the interest of justice and fairness.
Mohammed commended the judiciary in the state for ensuring a smooth and cordial working relationship with the executive arm of government.
He charged the new Grand khadi to put his wealth of experience to use in the discharge of his official duties as well as not only exhibit exemplary leadership qualities by carrying along all the other khadis in the scheme of things for the development of the state to also work towards ensuring quick dispensation of justice in the state.
The governor said the replacement and increase in the number of judicial officials in the state judiciary should be an impetus for quick dispensation of justice.
According to him, the task ahead of the new judicial officials was enormous yet surmountable and urged them to discharge their duties with the fear of Allah, putting into consideration their integrity and reputation.
“As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied. The replacement and the increase in the number of judicial officers in the state judiciary system will therefore ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
“As a democrat, I believe in the rule of law which, among other things, is to ensure equality before the law, irrespective of socioeconomic status of anyone.
“The task before the newly sworn in judicial officers is enormous, but indeed surmountable. They should discharge their duties with the fear of Allah, putting into consideration their integrity and reputation. They should abide strictly by the provision of the constitution and other relevant laws.
“I need not tell them to watch their private conduct and utterances because their connection to failure will create a perception that will affect the outcome of whatever they will do in their various offices,” Governor Mohammed said.
NAFDAC destroys over N2bn worth of unwholesome products in SW
The governor noted that the three arms of government in the state have shown great understanding and cooperation without compromising their independence, submitting that this has assisted in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Addressing the new special advisers, they called on them to bring the experience to bear in the discharge of their duties, adding that their roles are to advise the government in their assigned areas and work with the officials of their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
He admonished them not to allow their personal interests to override their official responsibilities, declaring that they should serve the interest of the people of the state.
Responding, the Grand Khadi, Umar Ahmed Limam, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed appreciation to the state government for their appointments, assuring that they will justify the confidence reposed in them.
