Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Gombe State Judiciary System held its 2024/2025 Legal Year ceremony at the High Court Complex in Gombe on Monday, January 27, 2025.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the event attracted top government officials, politicians, traditional and religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Gombe State chapter, Barrister Benjamin Sati, highlighted several challenges facing the judiciary. “The judiciary’s current funding is inadequate, making it the least funded in the Northeast,” he said. “This has led to significant challenges, including reliance on external business centers for document production and the absence of functional generators at court complexes. We urge the government to increase funding to facilitate seamless operations.”
Sati also raised concerns about the welfare of judges and judiciary staff, saying, “Judicial officers and staff face serious welfare challenges. Judges, for instance, still use vehicles issued over a decade ago. We appeal for regular replacement of official vehicles and provision of incentives, such as car loans for Magistrates and Area Court Judges, to enhance their mobility and morale.”
Furthermore, Bar. Sati emphasised the need for sufficient manpower in the judiciary and Ministry of Justice, stating, “The judiciary and the Ministry of Justice face a severe shortage of qualified personnel, leading to overburdened judges and legal officers. We recommend immediate recruitment to address these gaps in the system.”
The NBA chairman also stressed the importance of capacity development, saying, “Regular training, both local and international, for judicial officers and legal practitioners is essential for their professional growth. We appeal for the state government’s support in sponsoring capacity-building initiatives, including participation in the NBA Annual General Conference and seminars.”
In addition, Bar. Sati called for the compilation of Gombe State Laws, saying, “Gombe State lacks a codified and updated body of laws, relying instead on outdated laws from Bauchi State. This situation is untenable, and we urge the government to expedite the compilation and publication of Gombe State’s laws.”
Bar. Sati also appealed for the completion of residential quarters for Justices and staff of the Court of Appeal Gombe Division, saying, “The incomplete residential quarters pose a risk of the court’s relocation. We appeal for the swift completion of these accommodations to secure the court’s presence in Gombe.”
The NBA chairman commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his commitment to infrastructural development, particularly the ongoing construction of the state-of-the-art High Court Complex.
He also applauded the recent appointment and swearing-in of five Magistrates and 46 Area Court Judges, describing it as “a remarkable step toward strengthening the judiciary.”
Sati emphasised the need for collective commitment to justice, fairness, and professional excellence. “As we step into the new legal year, let us renew our collective commitment to justice, fairness, and professional excellence. Together, we can overcome challenges and continue to build a justice system that serves all with integrity and honour.”
