The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik has explained that the legal framework operational in Niger State Judiciary is the bedrock of peace, order, stability and equality.
She stated this at a special court session to mark the 2024/2025 legal year which took place at the High Court complex on Monday, in Minna.
She explained that it is the shield for the vulnerable and a guide for the powerful hilighting, that “if one wants peace you must work for justice.”
Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdul malik further explained that as the State Judiciary steps into the new legal year, ”We are stepping into a landscape that demands transformation and adaptation”.
She emphasised that “societal changes, technological advancements, and evolving global dynamic challenges propelled 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 state that the Niger state Judiciary under her watch, have achieved significant successes in improving the infrastructure of courts through the use of direct labour.
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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 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 Abdulmalik disclosed that she 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 Sa’idu, described the 2024 legal year as another significant milestone in the journey of dispensing justice, upholding the rule of law, and promoting the legal rights of the citizens.
She emphasized 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”, she remarked .
She pointed out that “despite the myriads 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 declared.
She, however, lauded the immense contributions and support of the 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 Nigeria 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 partners in progress of government.
He thereby commended the transformative strides of the Executive Governor of Niger state Mohammed Umaru Bago, for his urban renewal projects.
He noted that the Governor’s 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 Ltd. is commendable.”
