The Nigerian Bar Association Gombe Branch has urged Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, on improved welfare of judicial officers in the state.
This was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman; Barrister Benjamin Sati and the Legal Adviser; Barrister Abubakar Bafeto, which was obtained by our correspondent.
Our correspondent reports that the communiqué is a sequel to the association’s meeting held in Gombe State.
The communique harped on housing, medical services, operational vehicles, and provision of equipment to lessen the burden of judicial officers.
NBA lauded the government for its far-reaching interventions, which include the completion of the Shariah Court of Appeal Complex and the construction of a state-of-the-art High Court Complex.
The communique partly read, “Judicial officers should be provided with secure and designated quarters. A reserved area for High Court judges and magistrates in the metropolis is imperative.
“Many judges have been using the same vehicles for over thirteen years, resulting in significant wear. It is essential to replace these vehicles to facilitate efficient justice delivery.”
The Branch disclosed that addressing welfare concerns is vital for the integrity and efficiency of the justice system, adding “We hope that Your Excellency will consider our appeal in the spirit of mutual respect and commitment to the betterment of Gombe State.”
Full-Text: NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA) GOMBE BRANCH COMMUNIQUÉ: JUDICIAL WELFARE AND LAND REVOCATION CONCERNS
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Gombe State,
The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, presents this communiqué following our meeting on September 26, 2024, at the Amina Inuwa Women Development Center, Gombe. We address two critical issues:
1. Urgent Attention to Judicial Officers’ Welfare
The Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch, commends Your Excellency for your commitment to enhancing the judicial arm of government, notably through the completion of the Shariah Court of Appeal Complex and the construction of a state-of-the-art High Court Complex. However, we must draw attention to the critical welfare concerns affecting judicial officers and judges in magistrate courts and Upper Area Courts. These dedicated professionals are essential to upholding justice and the rule of law, yet their working conditions require urgent improvement.
Key Concerns:
Housing: Judicial officers should be provided with secure and designated quarters. A reserved area for High Court judges and magistrates in the metropolis is imperative.
Official Vehicles: Many judges have been using the same vehicles for over thirteen years, resulting in significant wear. It is essential to replace these vehicles to facilitate efficient justice delivery.
Limited Equipment: High Courts and Magistrate courts often lack essential equipment such as computers and printers which hinders judicial efficiency.
Medical and Mental Health Support: The demanding nature of judicial work necessitates robust mental health resources and counseling services to support judges and magistrates.
Professional Development: Ongoing training and professional development are vital for judicial officers to remain current in legal matters. There is need to regularly support Judicial Officers to attend conferences within and outside the country.
Workload Management: Overwhelming caseloads can lead to burnout among judges and magistrates. Strategies must be implemented to ensure manageable workloads.
Call to Action:
We respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider the following actions:
Housing: Include judges and magistrates in the government’s housing plans for suitable accommodations.
Vehicles: Provide new official vehicles for judicial officers every five years to ensure efficient transportation.
Enhance Resource Allocation: Increase funding and resources for the judiciary to enhance infrastructure and technology.
Medical Initiatives: Establish programs to support health and well-being of judicial officers.
Training Programs: Invest in ongoing training for judicial officers to enhance their skills.
Workload Assessment: appoint additional Judges, Qadis and Magistrates to manage caseloads effectively.
Conclusion:
Addressing these welfare concerns is vital for the integrity and efficiency of our justice system. We hope that Your Excellency will consider our appeal in the spirit of mutual respect and commitment to the betterment of Gombe State.
Thank you for your attention.Yours sincerely,
Signed.Benjamin SATI, Esq.
Chairman
Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe Branch
For further information, please contact:
[+2348039140112]Top of FormAbubakar Bafeto Esq.
Legal Adviser, NBA Gombe Branch.
