New Acting Chief Judge appointed in Niger

Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has appointed Ahmed Bima,
as the new Acting Chief Judge of the state’ High Court of
Justice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Bima was
sworn-in as the new Acting Chief Judge of Niger State High Court
during the valedictory court session in honour of Maria Zukogi, the
outgoing Chief Judge.

Mr Bello described the outgoing Chief Judge as “someone with
integrity and impeccable character, who worked selflessly to
improve the judiciary and welfare of judges.

“Since my encounter with Justice Zukogi in 2016, we have had a
unique working relationship, she had succeeded in reforming the
judiciary and giving it a new look,” he said.

He urged the new acting chief judge to sustain the foundation
laid by his predecessor and maintain the existing good working
relationship between the judiciary and other tiers of
government.

Mr Bello disclosed that his administration was committed to the
autonomy of the judiciary in the state.

He said his administration had no problem with autonomy of the
judiciary, state house of assembly and the local government.

According to him, their autonomy would enable them take care of
their needs directly.

“When we took over in 2015, we inherited a lot of problems in
the judiciary, problems that have accumulated for over years, but
within three years, we have been able to address some of these
challenges.

“My commitment for autonomy of judiciary stands.

“I had earlier approved the autonomy of judiciary but I realised
that it was not captured fully in the budget.

I instructed the registrar to work closely with the legislature
to make adequate provision and ensure that everything is capture in
the budget,” he added.

The governor pledged to continue to ensure welfare of judges and
provision of working environment conducive for them.

In her address, Maria Zukogi, outgoing Chief Judge, commended
the governor for approving fund for the renovation of 20 chief
magistrates’ and magistrates’ courts across the state.

(NAN)