Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu on Tuesday donated N100million to the state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in aid of its ongoing State Secretariat Project in Birnin Kebbi.
Dr. Idris announced the largesse when he inaugurated the State’s Justice Sector Reform Team, Steering Committee and unveiling of two additional units.
The Governor said that the gesture was to facilitate the completion of the NBA’s project that has dragged on for a very long time.
“This administration belongs to you and we will do everything to assist you so that you become more comfortable and efficient,”he said.
” I have considered your two requests for the building of a state secretariat and provision of transportation to lawyers in the state.
” Although, it is uncomfortable for lawyers going to courts to ride commercial motorcycles and ride in tricycles.
” I regard the construction of the secretariat paramount at the moment so that when the NBA is scheduled to hold a meeting in the state, it will not lack the accommodation to host guests,” he said.
He said the event was in line with the Justice Sector Reform Law, 2023, that he signed into law on 29th Dec. 2023.
According to the Governor, it was laws extremely significant to the good people of Kebbi State.
Dr. Idris said, “It reflects the commitment of my administration to improving cooperation, planning and implementation of justice sector administration.
“There have been yearnings for such actions and we are are ready to address the problem of the lack of effective coordination and cooperation.”
The Kauran Gwandu also said that hitherto, the lack of effective coordination and cooperation had led to the congestion of custodial centres and the prevalence of Awaiting Trial Inmates (AWTs).
He said that the law has brought together critical stakeholders in the justice system.
According to Dr . Idris, the team will serve as a forum for coordination and planning among the sector.
He restated his administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the Justice Sector Reform.
“This will bolster the timely, just and efficient delivery of justice to the people of the state.
“We have duly captured all it’s needs in our 2024 appropriation. I. am urging the members of the team to live above board,” Dr Idris charged.
The governor also announced the establishment of two additional units at the State Ministry for Justice.
They are: Citizens’ Rights and Public Engagement and GBV Support Unit,all in the bid to boost the administration of justice in the state .
In his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Justice and Attorney- General of the state, who is the Chairman of the justice reform team, Dr. Junaidu Bello, explained that the essence of the reform would reduce rights violations, increase public awareess to justice, ensure protection of the rights of citizens and facilitate speedy trial of cases.
” I commend the chief judge for approving the establishment of special panels to adjudicate on rape cases, banditry and kidnapping which has helped immensely in justice delivery.
” I also commend the governor for his crucial support to reform in the justice ministry and the judiciary as well as the state house of assembly for its quick passage of the bill on justice reform,” he said.
In a good will message, the Speaker of the state assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, commended the governor for upholding the principle of Justice and fairness through the improvement of judicial system.
On his part, the Chairman of the steering committee, who is the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Umar Abubakar, acknowledged that the reform in the justice sector would improve justice delivery and enhance the speedy dispensation of cases in courts.
The Chairman of the NBA in the state, Alhaji Lawal Hudu-Garba, thanked the governor for his sponsorship of indigenous students studying in law school and his welfarism package to the judicial staff and judiciary in the state.
” The state has been consistent in producing Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), and we now have seven SANs in the state, including Solicitor General of the state.,” he said.
The two units created include, gender-based violence support unit and citizens’ rights and public engagement unit, with free phone and email services to lodge complaints.
