By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has sworn in ten newly appointed Magi...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has sworn in ten newly appointed Magistrates and ten Shari’a Court Judges, charging them to remain steadfast, upright, and committed to justice in the discharge of their duties.
The oath-taking ceremony took place on Monday at the Judiciary Headquarters in Minna, where the Chief Judge reminded the judicial officers that their appointments come at a time when the judiciary is undergoing significant reforms aimed at transforming it into a result-oriented, technology-driven, and accountable institution.
Justice Abdulmalik cautioned the new appointees to resist all forms of inducement and pressure, especially from relatives, court staff, legal practitioners, or politicians who might attempt to sway the course of justice.
"In the discharge of your responsibilities, you will encounter various temptations. You must resist them to remain focused and uphold the integrity of the judiciary," she said. "This appointment confers upon you a sacred duty. You are God’s vicegerents on earth because you decide the fate of others. You are public figures and epitomes of justice."
She further urged them to uphold the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers, emphasizing that their behavior must reflect the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and public trust.
"You must never be found wanting. Your conduct, comportment, and disposition must align with the code of judicial ethics," she added.
Justice Abdulmalik also stressed the importance of delivering justice with integrity, impartiality, and urgency. She reminded the officers that their roles as presiding judges at the courts of first instance place them at the forefront of citizens' quest for justice.
"As you preside over these courts, people will look to you for redress when their rights are trampled upon. You must protect the most vulnerable and ensure the law works for all," she said.
She reiterated that the law is no respecter of persons and that all individuals must be treated equally before the law. She urged the officers to remain blind to bias and work in ways that restore public trust in the judiciary.
“Public confidence in the judiciary depends on your ability to uphold the highest ethical standards,” she said.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Niger State Judicial Service Commission (NSJSC), Barrister Hauwa Kulu Isah, congratulated the newly sworn-in officers and urged them to dispense justice promptly and without delay.
She disclosed that the appointments were part of a broader judicial reform agenda aimed at revitalizing the judiciary in Niger State.
"As part of this initiative, the Commission recently recruited over 100 new judicial staff, including legal research assistants, program analysts, magistrates, and Shari’a Court Judges," she said.
The ceremony concluded with the administration of the oath of office to the 20 judicial officers by the Chief Judge, marking a significant step in the ongoing reform and strengthening of the judicial system in Niger State.
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