The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has said that the legal framework that operates in Niger State judiciary is the bedrock of peace, order, stability and equality in communities.
She explained that it is the shield for the vulnerable and the guide for the powerful stressing that “if one want peace you must work for justice”.
The Chief judge stated this at a special court session to mark the 2024-2025 legal year which took place at the High court complex in Minna Monday.
She explained that as the state Judiciary step into new legal year, “we are stepping into a landscape that demands transformation and adaptation”, adding that societal changes, technological advancements, and evolving global dynamic challenge us to reconsider how we uphold justice in a rapidly changing world.
She noted that despite the challenges posed by the paucity of funds she is pleased to inform that the Niger state Judiciary under her leadership, has achieved significant successes in improving the infrastructure of courts through the use of direct labour.
According to the Chief judge, the limited resources “at our disposal have driven us to think innovatively and to find practical solutions to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of our legal system.”
“Some of the landmark accomplishments of the past year have been the construction of two new courts, the remodeling of one court and the renovation of many existing courts through direct labour.
“We have successfully constructed a High Court in Lapai and a Magistrate court In Dikko. These new courts are equipped with modern facilities that provide a conducive working environment.
“This serves as a reflection of our unreserved commitment to making access to Justice feasible and the efficient administration of justice a reality” she stated.
In addition, to the new constructions, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik disclosed that she has undertook the renovation of High Court number two in Suleja and remodeled the Magistrate court Pandogari.
Noting that in doing all these,” we are mindful of the fact that the courts are Community landmarks that not only serve their Judicial functions but also serve as symbols of security and authority”.
Earlier,in her welcome address, the Chief Registrar of the state Judiciary, Hajiya Amina Lamide Musa Saidu, described the 2024 legal year as another significant in the journey of dispensing justice, upholding the rule of law, and promoting the legal rights of the citizens.
She pointed out that the commencement of a new legal year is not just a formality but a time for sober reflection on the collective achievements and challenges in the preceding year.
“It is an opportunity for us, as custodians of justice, to rededicate ourselves to the core values of our Profession: impartiality, integrity, and a commitment to the rule of law” she noted.
According to the Chief Registrar, the Niger State Judiciary,under the leadership of Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has made remarkable strides in the past year.
“We have continued to work tirelessly to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Judicial system.
Despite the myriad of challenges we face,from Infrastructural deficits to the ever-increasing volume of cases the Judiciary has remained resilient in its efforts to deliver timely and equitable justice to all” she stated.
She lauded the immense contributions and Support of law enforcement agencies, other critical stakeholders and the members of the Bar stressing that the Bench and the Bar must continue to work harmoniously to ensure that justice is served promptly, fairly,and without fear or favour.
In his remarks, the Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA Minna branch, Barrister Isyaku Barau, asserted that the Legal year annual event provides a crucial opportunity for the Bar to reaffirm their collective commitment to upholding justice, fortifying the rule of law, and fostering collaboration among the Judiciary, executive, legislature and other partner in progress of government.
He commended the transformative stride of the executive governor of Niger state Mohammed Umar Bago, for his urban renewal projects.
He noted that his transformative work under his urban renewal project for unprecedented construction of 556 kilometers road within the nooks and crannies of the state and the impactful strides in agricultural development through Niger Foods is laudable.
