Gombe Governor, Inuwa Yahaya Urged to Address Concerns of Magistrate, Upper Area Court Judges
By Our Reporter
The Gombe branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has urged the Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, to look into the pressing welfare concerns of judicial officers and judges serving in magistrate as well as Upper Area courts.
It further appealed to the Governor to prioritize judges working conditions and overall well-being to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.
The call was contained in a communique signed by branch Chairman, Benjamin Sati, Esq and Abubakar Bafeto Esq, itsLegal Adviser, at its monthly meeting held on September 26, 2024.
According to the communique, these dedicated individuals play a crucial role in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law in the society.
The communique enumerated key concerns of the judicial officers and judges to include designated housing quarters for their safety and security, official vehicles lamenting that some of the judges and qadis currently serving in the High Court and Shariah Court of Appeal have used their vehicles for over thirteen years and some two judges have used theirs since their appointments in 2012 and equipment such as computers, printers, copiers and other gadgets aiding the efficiency of judicial processes were lacking and affects the quality of justice delivered.
Others concern are the demanding nature of judicial work can lead to significant stress and mental health challenges and there is a need for robust support systems, including counseling and mental health resources, continuous training and professional development opportunities are vital for judicial officers to stay updated on legal developments and improve their skills and need to regularly support Judicial Officers to attend conferences within and outside the country and many judges and magistrates are overwhelmed with caseloads, which can lead to burnout and hinder the timely administration of justice.
The NBA urged the Governor to look into these concerns as a call to action to solving them noting that the welfare of judicial officers and judges in magistrate courts is essential for the integrity and effectiveness of the justice system.
According to the communique, by addressing these concerns, it can foster an environment where judicial officers can perform their duties with the dedication and professionalism the society deserves.
Besides, it appealed to the Governor to consider concerns in the spirit of mutual respect and shared commitment to the betterment of Gombe State.
The branch, however, applauded commitment of Governor Yahaya in bringing to speed the judicial arm of government by the completion of the Shariah Court of Appeal Complex and building a state-of-the-art High Court’s complex.
Meanwhile, the branch extends its condolence to the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Hayatu Usman, over the demise of his Personal Assistant SUPOL Yusuf Balami.
