Gov Sani-Bello reiterates commitment to judicial autonomy

Saka Bolaji, Minna

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello has reiterated his administration to remain committed to judicial autonomy. This he said is to enable the arm of government carry out its major responsibility. Governor Sani Bello stated this during the valedictory session held in honour of the retiring Chief Judge of Niger State, Hon. Justice Maria Dzukogi at the High Court complex, Minna, the state capital. The Governor who disclosed that his commitment to judicial autonomy stands noted that the arm of the government has not fully gained autonomy because it was not fully captured in the state’s budget. While assuring the judiciary of their autonomy, Governor Sani Bello stated that judicial autonomy would enable them carry out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently stressing that it would also allow for their welfare. “My commitment to judicial autonomy stands. I have since agreed to autonomy, I have no problem with autonomy, not even for the judicial but for the State Assembly or even the Local Government Councils. “I believe Niger State is the first state that gave local government councils their autonomy. Unfortunately with the Local Governments, we found out that more than half of them could not pay salaries under autonomy. So we had to find some means so that people would not lose their salaries. “For the judiciary, one thing I noticed was that they were not captured fully in the budget as a Governor, I can tell you that there is nothing as peaceful as giving the judiciary, local government and the state assembly their autonomy. “I want to assure you that I am committed to that autonomy but the problem is probably because provisions have not been made for the judiciary”. In his congratulatory message to the outgoing Chief Judge, Governor Sani Bello commended her hard work and selfless service and for her efforts and contributions in ensuring that the judiciary experience a turnaround during her tenure in office as the Chief Judge of the state. He then urged the incoming Chief Judge to continue to build on the foundation of his predecessor so that the judiciary can enjoy carrying out its responsibilities. Earlier, the outgoing Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maria Dzukogi in her valedictory speech commended Governor Abubakar Sani Bello’s administration contributions towards ensuring conducive working environment and welfare for the judiciary. She further called on the Governor not to relent in assisting the judiciary in continuation of the renovation of the remaining courts in the state. High point of the valedictory session was the swearing in of the new Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ahmed Alhaji Bima.