Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sworn-in Justice Halima Sadiya Mohammed as the Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State.
The appointment of Justice Halima is the sequel to the attainment of the mandatory age of retirement of the substantive Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak.
Governor Yahaya paid special tribute to the retiring Chief Judge for his laudable and selfless service to the Government and people of Gombe State, as well as the entire nation.
“During that period, Justice Awak has distinguished himself as a judicial officer of the finest calibre, who is committed to the pursuit of justice and the preservation of law and order.“
He described his dedication to duty, hard work, legal scholarship, and professional competence as worthy of emulation saying “Even though he is retiring, the State shall frequently require his wise counsel,” said Governor Yahaya.
While congratulating the newly sworn-in acting Chief Judge, Justice Halima on her well-deserved appointment, Governor Yahaya said the new Acting Chief Judge had the requisite expertise, integrity, courage, and experience to oversee the Gombe State Judiciary and consolidate on the numerous gains of her predecessors.
“The judiciary is going through periods of reforms and changes, especially around the area of digital transformation and e-governance. This was made clear during the Covid-19 pandemic when our courts resorted to online sessions to continue with the dispensation of justice. I have no doubt that the new Acting Chief Judge has what it takes to lead the judiciary into this new era of digital justice administration,” Governor Yahaya said.
He said over the past three years, his administration had introduced far-reaching reforms across many areas of governance, which had earned the state, national and international commendations in areas of land administration ease of doing business, civil service reforms, and human capital development.
“In order for the judiciary to adequately play its role, we need to train and equip our judicial officers with the requisite knowledge, tools and insights to meet the needs of a 21st-century judicial system, in line with international best practices.”
He said his administration strongly respected the principle of separation of powers, with a show of commitment towards the independence of the judicial and legislative arms of government.
“We are working closely with the judiciary on all areas of reforms and interventions. Because it is my belief that the business of governance can only succeed in an environment where the executive, legislature and judiciary live in unity, harmony, and mutual cooperation,” Governor Yahaya stressed.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged the Acting Chief Judge that while discharging her constitutional duties, she should do so without discrimination, fear or favour.
The Governor restated the commitment of his administration to respecting the independence of the Judiciary according to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi described the swearing of Justice Halima Sadiya Mohammed as the Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State as another milestone in view of the fact she is the second woman to be appointed as Acting Chief Judge under the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
“This development only goes to affirm and reaffirm why His Excellency is the already award recipient of the “He for She” in Nigeria and a strong respecter of principles of separation of powers.“
PIAK
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