Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Wednesday swore in Justice Suleiman Umaru-Dikko, as the Acting Chief Judge of the state.
Umaru-Dikko replaced Justice Badamasi Maina, who retired on Dec. 31. Al-Makura also swore in Justice Samuel Ayiwulu and Justice Asmau Yusuf, as well as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mr Mohammed Idris-Apa, who is physically-challenged person.
He said the acting Chief Judge and the other judges were appointed based on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“It has become necessary to swear-in the most senior High Court Judge to enable him to perform the functions of the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to avoid a vacuum,” Al-Makura said.
He explained the appointment of Idris-Apa, as Solicitor-General/ Permanent Secretary, was in compliance with the principle of seniority in the judiciary.
He maintained that Idris-Apa was not only the most senior State Counsel, but that the significance of his elevation lied in the fact that he is physically challenged, saying: ``there is ability in disability’’.
As part of the efforts to transform the judiciary, Al-Makura announced that an ultra-modern High Court complex would be constructed in Lafia, before the end 2013. The governor also announced the construction and upgrading of court complexes across the state.
He also said that plans were on going for the computerisation of courts in the state to ensure e-process and digital electronic recording of proceedings.
The governor also said that government would continue to ensure capacity building for judicial personnel through periodic training to update them with modern global legal practice.
``I should point out that no matter how much investment government makes, structures, equipment and other incentives on their own do not translate to excellence in service delivery.
`` What is imperative is that the personnel in charge must uphold the values and ethics of their respective offices and the prestige of their calling.”
He, therefore, urged the appointees to serve the people with diligence, patriotism, transparency, selflessness, equity and integrity.
Umaru-Dikko, who responded on behalf of others, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state and assured that they would give in their best.
He prayed God to grant them the wisdom to discharge their duties with the fear of God and in the interest of humanity.
Umaru-Dikko replaced Justice Badamasi Maina, who retired on Dec. 31. Al-Makura also swore in Justice Samuel Ayiwulu and Justice Asmau Yusuf, as well as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mr Mohammed Idris-Apa, who is physically-challenged person.
He said the acting Chief Judge and the other judges were appointed based on the recommendations of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“It has become necessary to swear-in the most senior High Court Judge to enable him to perform the functions of the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State to avoid a vacuum,” Al-Makura said.
He explained the appointment of Idris-Apa, as Solicitor-General/ Permanent Secretary, was in compliance with the principle of seniority in the judiciary.
He maintained that Idris-Apa was not only the most senior State Counsel, but that the significance of his elevation lied in the fact that he is physically challenged, saying: ``there is ability in disability’’.
As part of the efforts to transform the judiciary, Al-Makura announced that an ultra-modern High Court complex would be constructed in Lafia, before the end 2013. The governor also announced the construction and upgrading of court complexes across the state.
He also said that plans were on going for the computerisation of courts in the state to ensure e-process and digital electronic recording of proceedings.
The governor also said that government would continue to ensure capacity building for judicial personnel through periodic training to update them with modern global legal practice.
``I should point out that no matter how much investment government makes, structures, equipment and other incentives on their own do not translate to excellence in service delivery.
`` What is imperative is that the personnel in charge must uphold the values and ethics of their respective offices and the prestige of their calling.”
He, therefore, urged the appointees to serve the people with diligence, patriotism, transparency, selflessness, equity and integrity.
Umaru-Dikko, who responded on behalf of others, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state and assured that they would give in their best.
He prayed God to grant them the wisdom to discharge their duties with the fear of God and in the interest of humanity.
