Niger State Governor, Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reinforcing the rule of law, emphasizing its importance for fostering economic growth, social stability, and good governance across the state.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, the governor made this statement on Thursday while commissioning the newly constructed High Court building in Lapai Local Government Area. The governor highlighted the new court as a significant milestone in decentralizing the judicial process and ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens.
“The High Court of Justice in Lapai, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is more than just a building; it symbolizes our vision of bringing justice closer to the people and making it more accessible,” the governor remarked. “This court stands as a beacon of fairness and inclusivity, a symbol of hope for those who have suffered injustice, and a reminder that the law is supreme.”
Governor Bago also emphasized the critical role of the judiciary in upholding democracy, safeguarding the rule of law, and ensuring equal access to justice for every citizen. He underscored the importance of collaboration between the executive, legislature, and judiciary for the progress of society and urged deeper cooperation between all branches of government.
He praised the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Halima Abdulmalik, for her relentless pursuit of judicial excellence, which has elevated the reputation of Niger State’s judiciary. The governor also acknowledged the success of using a direct labour initiative to construct the High Court building, which saved the state costs and demonstrated a sustainable model for future projects.
Chief Judge Abdulmalik hailed the new High Court as a crucial step toward building a more equitable judiciary. She expressed confidence that the court will serve as a guardian of justice and a platform for the oppressed to find their voice. She also revealed that while ₦100 million was initially budgeted for the project, only ₦83 million was expended due to the prudent management of resources.
The Chief Registrar of the state’s High Court of Justice, Her Worship Laminde Musa, commended the significant improvements in the judiciary under Justice Abdulmalik’s leadership and expressed hope that the new court will uphold justice and the rule of law in Lapai and beyond.