The judiciary in Zamfara State has been strengthened with the swearing-in of new judges for the State High Court and Kadis for the Shari’ah Court of Appeal.
The ceremony, held at the Government House Chambers in Gusau, was presided over by Governor Dauda Lawal, who charged the newly appointed judicial officers to uphold justice with integrity, fairness, and urgency.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the appointments are part of ongoing judicial reforms aimed at restoring public trust and strengthening the rule of law in the state.
The Chief Judge of Zamfara State, Hon. Justice Kulu Aliyu, administered the oath of office. The new High Court judges are Justices Garba Sirajo, Bashir Rabi, and Abdullahi Nasir. For the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ibrahim Jibril, Muhammad Sanusi Magami, and Sha’aban Mansir were sworn in as Kadis.
Governor Lawal noted that the appointments were made following due process and ratified by the National Judicial Council (NJC). He praised the selection as a product of merit and integrity.
“Your appointments reflect the trust placed in you by the judiciary. It is now your duty to justify this trust through professionalism, honesty, integrity, and impartiality,” Lawal said.
He commended the Chief Judge and the Judicial Service Commission for conducting what he described as a diligent and transparent selection process.
Highlighting the broader significance of the appointments, the governor stressed the need for a responsive judiciary to support governance reforms and rebuild public confidence in state institutions.
“This is a crucial time for Zamfara’s judiciary to collaborate with the executive in rebuilding our state and ensuring accountability at all levels. Swift and fair justice will not only restore public confidence but also reinforce the foundations of governance,” he added.
Lawal assured the judges of improved welfare, timely allowances, and a conducive work environment, reiterating his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary.
He also reflected on his administration’s strides in other sectors despite security challenges, including increased investment in health, education, infrastructure, and human capital development. He highlighted recent measures such as the increase of the state’s minimum wage from ₦7,000 to ₦70,000, the introduction of a 13th-month productivity bonus, and the payment of 13 years’ backlog of unpaid gratuities.
“Our commitment to sustainable development includes ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” the governor stated.
