Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has sworn in new State Grand Khadi, four High Court judges, Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and 16 Special Advisers.
The new Grand Khadi is Umar Ahmed Liman.
The governor commended the state judiciary for ensuring smooth and cordial working relationship with the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
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He made the commendation at the swearing in ceremony at the Government House on Monday in Bauchi,.
Governor Bala Mohammed advised the new Grand Khadi to bring his wealth of experience to bear in discharging his official duties, adding that he should exhibit examplary leadership by carrying along all the other Khadis in the scheme of things and work towards ensuring quick dispensation of justice in the state.
The governor said even though members of the judiciary have been living up to the expectations of the people, there are some of them that have been abusing their privileged positions by engaging in unwholesome activities.
He pointed out that the development was draggng the name of the judiciary in the mud, hence the need to reverse the ugly trend in the interest of justice and fairness.
“As the saying goes, justice delayed is justice denied.The replacement and the increase in the number of judicial officers in the state judiciary system will therefore ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
“As a democrat, I believe in the rule of law which, among other things, is to ensure equality before the law, irrespective of socio-economic status of anyone,” the governor said.
He said “The task before the newly sworn in judicial officers is enormous, but indeed surmountable, they sould discharge their duties with the fear of Allah, putting into consideration their integrity and reputation” .
He urged them to abide strictly by the provision of the constitution and other relevant laws saying ”I need not tell them to watch their private conduct and utterances because their connection to failure will create a perception that will affect the outcome of whatever they will do in their various offices”
Governor Bala said that the legislative, executive and judiciary arms of the state government have shown great understanding and cooperation without compromising thier independence, stressing that this has assisted in delivering the dividend of democracy to the people.
The governor urged the newly appointed special advisers to bring in their wealth of experience in the discharge of their duties, pointing out that their role is to advise the government in the areas they have been assigned to do so and work with the officials of thier respective ministries, departments and agencies.
He added that they should not allow their personal interest to override their official responsibilities, but serve the interest of the people of the state.
Responding on behalf of all those sworn in, the new Grand Khadi, Umar Ahmed Liman thanked the state government for the appointments, saying they will justify the confidence reposed in them by ensuring that they carry out their duties with the fear of God and dispense justice with all fairness and equity.
He commended the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed for the support it has been giving to members of the judiciary in the state through various appointments such as the recent additional appointment of four new Khadis for the Sharia courts and a high court judge in the state.
The oath of office and allegiance was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Rabi Talatu Umar.
