Over the years, several institutional and governance reforms aimed at promoting good governance in our state were pursued by successive governments
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reiterated the commitment of his administration to deepening judicial reforms and strengthening the justice sector.
He stated this while declaring open a two-day capacity-building workshop organized by the Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for newly appointed Shari’a Court Judges at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse.
Delivering his speech, the governor said that “In a constitutional democracy such as ours, the functions of the judiciary in ensuring an effective and well-functioning polity could not be overemphasized.
“While the constitution assigns equal weight to all three organs of government in ensuring conformity, observance, and application of the constitutional provisions under the section, I believe the ultimate burden of responsibility in ensuring “social justice” in any human society rests with the judiciary.”
He acknowledged the reforms being implemented by the Jigawa State Judiciary and commended the JSC under the leadership of the Chief Judge for organizing the training.
“Over the years, several institutional and governance reforms aimed at promoting good governance in our state were pursued by successive governments. One such reform was in the area of administration of justice, which aimed to bring about comprehensive improvements in the delivery of justice to the people in terms of accessibility, timeliness, equity, and justice.”
While addressing the newly appointed Shari’a Court Judges, Governor Namadi charged them to uphold integrity and justice in carrying out their duties:
“You have solemnly sworn that you will, among other very weighty affirmations, strive to preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that you will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favor.”
He reminded them of their spiritual responsibility as Muslims:
As Allah (SWT), the All-Knowing, All-Seeing, and All-Hearing, said in the Glorious Quran, “… Whoso doeth righteousness an atom’s weight will see it … and whoso doeth evil an atom’s weight will see it…” Therefore, beyond the oath that you have taken, I urge you to be ever mindful of this admonition from none other than your Creator.