By Umar Faruk, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi state Governor,Dr. Nasir Idris has donated N100 million for the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Equity Chamber, for the construction of state branch Secretariat in Binrin Kebbi.
He made the donation during the inauguration of Justice Sector Reform Team, Steering Committee and Unveiling of two additional units in state Ministry of Justice.
” I have accepts your two demands for the building of a state branch of secretariat and provision of mobility to magistrates’ and state counsels.
” Although, it is uncomfortable for magistrates’ and lawyers going to courts to ride commercial motorcycles and ride in tricycles.
” I regard the construction of the secretariat paramount at the moment so that when the NBA is scheduled to hold a national conference in the state, it will not lack the accommodation to host guests,” he said.
He than assured that his administration would provide magistrates’ and lawyers with necessary means of transport, saying that he had made fund available for the refurbishing of their grounded vehicles in the interim.
” I hold the judiciary in high esteem, and I am committed to justice sector reform for quick justice service delivery and access to justice by all, without hindrance.
” My assent to the justice reform bill initiated by my administration reflects my commitment to reform in the judicial system for efficiency, effectiveness and quick dispensation of justice.
” I have already made budgetary provision for justice reform in the 2024 budget of the state.
” I have improved welfare of the judicial officers, including their remunerations as well as infrastructural development of the judiciary, ” he said.
The governor commended the state house of assembly for the speedy passage of the justice reform bill and contribution to justice sector reform in the state.
In a good will message, the Speaker of the state assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, commended the governor for upholding the principle of Justice and fairness through the improvement of judicial system.
On his part, the Chairman of the steering committee, who is the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Umar Abubakar, acknowledged that the reform in the justice sector would improve justice delivery and enhance the speedy dispensation of cases in courts.
In his address, the state Commissioner of Justice and Attorney- General of the state, who is the Chairman of the justice reform team, Dr .Junaidu Bello, explained that the essence of the reform would reduce rights violations, increase public awatness to justice, ensure protection of the rights of citizens and facilitate speedy trial of cases.
” I commend the chief judge for approving the establishment of special panels to adjudicate on rape cases, banditry and kidnapping which has helped immensely in justice delivery.
” I also commend the governor for his crucial support to reform in the justice ministry and the judiciary as well as the state house of assembly for its quick passage of the bill on justice reform,” he said.
The Chairman of the NBA in the state, Alhaji Lawal Hudu-Garba, thanked the governor for his sponsorship of indigenous students studying in law school and his welfarism package to the judicial staff and judiciary in the state.
” The state has been consistent in producing Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), and we now have seven SANs in the state, including Solicitor General of the state.,” he said.
The two units created include, gender-based violence support unit and citizens’ rights and public engagement unit, with free phone and email services to lodge complaints.
