DAMATURU, (YOBE) — The Chief Judge of Yobe State, Justice Gumna Kashim Kaigama has warned Magistrates and Sharia Court Alkalis against engaging in corrupt practices and other misconducts while discharging their official duties.
Justice Kaigama gave the warning at the swearing-in of the newly appointed Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, 14 Magistrates, and 22 Sharia Court Alkalis held at the headquarters of the High Court in Damaturu, the state capital.
“I need to warn our dear Magistrates and Sharia Court Alkalis that the Judicial Service Commission, of which I am the Chairman, has zero tolerance to corruption and abuse of judicial powers.
“The power to punish wrongdoers and free the innocent, as well as the power to send a strong message to the society about the primacy of the rule of law and contribute to the growing body of jurisprudence, lies in your hands.
“In this regard, I will advise you to wield this power with the utmost sense of care, responsibility and the rule of the law,” he said.
Justice Kaigama assured the new appointees that the State Judicial Service Commission will not interfere in their judicial functions.
He, however, reminded them that the Commission will not tolerate truancy, corruption or reckless abuse of judicial power and will not hesitate to sanction any one of them found wanting.
Justice Kaigama urged the newly appointed Chief Registrar of the High Court Justice Muhammadu Biliyaminu to uphold and maintain the separation of powers of the judiciary, interface with between the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature.
“In this regard, you are expected to ensure proper record keeping and provide good leadership and direction. In discharging these responsibilities, you are expected to maintain the highest level of confidentiality”, he added.
