Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has challenged the judiciary to remain committed to the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
The governor made the call during the special court session to celebrate the 2023/2024 legal year, held at the State Judiciary Complex in Minna.
He acknowledged the role the judiciary plays in upholding the rule of law.
He applauded the efforts of the judiciary in protecting the rights of citizens and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
While appreciating the steadfastness of their commitment to justice, the governor said, "We have witnessed the resilience of our legal system in the face of various challenges.
The court has continued to dispense justice impartially and efficiently despite limited resources and a growing caseload".
He then called on them to ensure access to justice was timely and accessible, explore innovative strategies that would quicken the resolution of cases, and continue to promote ethical conduct and professionalism, among others. He promised that his administration would strengthen the existing relationship between the executive and judiciary and support it in the areas of welfare, promotion, accommodation, and mobility, among others.
Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, said the state judiciary has inaugurated a monitoring team to check incidences of thuggery and insecurity bedeviling the state in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law Section 528.
Justice Halima disclosed that in a bid to enhance the administration of justice in the state, her office has abolished trial within trial in criminal cases to facilitate the speedy dispensation of justice, with a call on members of the bar to desist from such practices as such actions will no longer be tolerated.
The Chief Judge disclosed that 3,418 cases were pending in the year 2022/2023, 486 were freshly filed, 2,932 were brought forward from the preceding year with 448 cases disposed, and for the Magistracy, 8,840 cases were filed, 5,478 were disposed, and 3,243 were pending.
A legal year is an annual event that ushers in the new legal year and also provides an opportunity for members to reflect on their successes and challenges and look into the goals of the year ahead.