Kano state governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf of Kano, has sworn in the first female Chief Judge of the state, Justice Dije Audu Aboki, with an appeal for support from the judiciary.
Alhaji Yusuf made this known on Monday while swearing in the first female Chief Judge in the State at Africa House, Government House, in Kano.
The Governor then urged the judiciary to support his administration’s demolition and anti-graft policies to enable it to recover public assets allegedly acquired illegally by the immediate-past administration in the state.
He described the relationship between the judiciary, legislature, and executive as not competitive but complementary, promising to continue to maintain cordial relationships amongst the three arms of government.
According to him, “Justice Aboki has paid her dues in the temple of justice and through experience, talent, and patriotism is by the grace of God elevated as the Chief Judge of the state.
“While I congratulate you on this well-deserved appointment, may I also remind my Lord that this task is a daunting one that calls for total dedication and commitment for the peace, progress, and stability of Kano state and Nigeria at large.
He hinted that ” Having spent your public life within this sector, no one can lecture you on what the citizens expect from you as the Head of this very important Arm of Government,”
The Governor enjoined Aboki not only to see this elevation as a call to duty but also as a trust invested in her by God to represent Him in the affairs of men.
You can count on the support of the Executive Arm of Government and the Legislature to work with you in helping you cultivate a cordial working relationship with the staff,” he assured.
Alhaji Yusuf said she was assuming duty when the state was operating financial autonomy of the three arms of government, including the Judiciary.
He, therefore, charged Justice Aboki to take advantage of all the latitude that this autonomy provides to ensure that judiciary staff is well trained while the day-to-day running of the courts is seamless.
Yusuf also drew the attention of the new chief judge to the challenges with the speedy dispensation of justice, particularly as it involves some suspects that are arraigned for violent crimes.
“It is our view that when such cases are dealt with expeditiously, and those found guilty are punished, it will deter others hoping to engage in criminal acts,” said the governor.
Besides, he advised her to beware of those who want to corrupt, confuse, intimidate, or blackmail the judiciary to do their bidding.
Yusuf, however, expressed optimism that the present leadership is very capable of withstanding and maintaining the sanctity of the Temple of Justice and the Legal profession in the state.
While responding, Justice Aboki said she was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and the privilege to be elevated to the position of Chief Judge of the state.
She promised to serve with “integrity, honesty and justice” as well as do her best to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to at all times.
“We will restore the lost glory of the judiciary in our state,” pledged the new chief judge.
Justice Aboki also said she was aware of the challenges in the Judiciary and appealed for support and collaboration from the executive and legislative arms to succeed.
She also solicited the support of the Justices, other judicial staff, and professional bodies to meet the desired objectives of delivering justice.
