Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda, has sworn in three new judges of the State High Court with a call on them to uphold public trust with integrity, fairness, and the fear of God.
The newly appointed judges are Barrister Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Barrister Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, and Barrister Abubakar Muhammad Dikko.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Government House, Katsina, was attended by dignitaries from the three arms of government, as well as traditional rulers and family members of the appointees.
Speaking, Radda said the appointment of the new judges would go a long way to strengthen the judiciary and enhance effective justice delivery across the state.
He commended the State Judicial Service Commission for conducting a thorough and merit-based selection process that produced credible and qualified appointees.
He expressed confidence that the new judges would contribute meaningfully to the administration of justice in the state, given their impressive qualifications and years of professional experience.
“Today, we are swearing in three new judges of the Katsina State High Court. This is a significant step forward for our judiciary because it increases our capacity and strengthens the administration of justice in our state,” Radda said.
He prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the new judges divine guidance, wisdom, and fairness in discharging their duties, reminding them that their oath of office should remain a moral compass throughout their judicial careers.
“First of all, I congratulate you and wish you God’s guidance in performing your responsibilities. This oath of office and act of allegiance are enough for all of us in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to reflect deeply on the responsibilities we bear.
“After some time, maybe a month, I advise that we all go back and read this oath again. It will remind us that whatever we do, God is watching and aware of all our actions.”
The governor reaffirmed the vital role of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, especially for the poor and voiceless in society.
“Everyone looks up to you for justice — both those who have a voice and those who do not, especially those who do not. I believe your position will guide you to the right path if you perform your duties with diligence and sincerity,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of timely justice delivery, warning that delays in judgment could weaken public trust in the judicial system.
“As they say, time waits for no one. It is important that we dispense justice promptly and fairly so that we can build the kind of society we all aspire to — one anchored on justice, peace, and unity,” he added.
According to the profiles of the newly sworn-in judges, Justice Maryam Umaru Abdullahi is an accomplished legal professional with an impressive academic background and broad experience in the justice sector.
A graduate of the University of Abuja with advanced degrees from the United Kingdom, she has served as State Solicitor, Head of the Notary Public Unit at the Supreme Court, and Deputy Director at the National Judicial Institute.
Justice Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama brings youthful energy, scholarship, and diverse professional experience to the bench.
A graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with two master’s degrees — including one in Oil and Gas Law from the United Kingdom — he has served in academia, at the National Judicial Institute, and in the National Assembly.
Justice Abubakar Muhammad Dikko is a seasoned legal practitioner with over two decades of service at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Head of Litigation.
A graduate of the University of Abuja with a master’s degree in law, he also served as Research Assistant to a former Chief Justice of Nigeria.