Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has restated his administration’s dedication to strengthening the judiciary through comprehensive reforms, infrastructural development, and improved welfare for judicial officers.
The governor made this commitment at the 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony held at the High Court Complex in Gombe metropolis, where he addressed judicial officers, legal practitioners, and dignitaries.
Governor Yahaya praised the judiciary for its significant achievements in resolving cases across various court levels. “Your commitment to justice has been instrumental in maintaining law and order in our state,” he said.
He announced plans to address the judiciary’s staff shortages caused by retirements, deaths, and transfers, while revealing efforts to appoint more judges and support staff to enhance justice delivery and accessibility.
The governor also outlined initiatives to improve working conditions for judicial officers, including promotions, training programs, and the adoption of digital technologies to streamline processes and ensure timely case management.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, Governor Yahaya referenced the construction of a new State High Court Complex and plans to renovate smaller courts across the state. He further reiterated his commitment to the judiciary’s financial autonomy, emphasizing its importance for maintaining independence and upholding the rule of law.
“The financial independence of the judiciary is essential for effective administration and ensuring justice for all. We will continue to provide the necessary support to enable the judiciary to discharge its duties without hindrance,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Halima S. Mohammed, revealed that the judiciary resolved 555 out of 616 cases filed at the State High Court in the past year. She also highlighted progress at the Magistrate and District Courts, which disposed of 3,568 out of 5,470 criminal cases, showcasing the judiciary’s efficiency.
Justice Mohammed expressed gratitude to the governor for prioritizing judicial infrastructure, particularly the ongoing construction of the ultra-modern High Court Complex.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, commended the governor’s efforts in advancing justice delivery. Addressing concerns about the periodic relocation of the Court of Appeal sittings to Maiduguri, he clarified that such practices are standard in the judicial system.
Similarly, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gombe Chairman, Barrister Benjamin Sati, lauded Governor Yahaya’s leadership, citing the recent appointment of magistrates and area court judges as evidence of his commitment to a robust judiciary.
The ceremony reinforced the administration’s focus on fostering a strong, independent, and efficient judicial system to ensure justice remains accessible to all residents of Gombe State.