By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
In a move aimed at deepening institutional collaboration, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Nasarawa State has paid a courtesy visit to the State Chief Judge, where critical issues concerning judicial reforms and justice delivery were discussed.
During the visit, the Attorney General expressed appreciation to the Chief Judge for the warm reception and commended her exemplary leadership and dedication to the quick dispensation of justice.
He acknowledged the judiciary’s positive reputation in the state and praised the team’s effort in achieving Nasarawa’s impressive national ranking as the third-best state in justice delivery across Nigeria.
He further emphasized the need to strengthen the existing synergy between the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary, assuring continued support for judicial reforms, especially in the criminal justice sector.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge described the visit as a “family affair,” citing her roots in the Ministry of Justice where she began her legal career.
She lauded the Attorney General’s leadership and described him as a vital link between the Judiciary and the Executive arms of government.
The Chief Judge, however, called for increased staffing to alleviate the heavy caseloads being handled by overburdened counsels. She also proposed that the Attorney General be included in prison visitation programs to help with efforts aimed at decongesting correctional centers across the state.
In addition, she advised the Ministry to organize internal conferences to keep legal officers updated on developments in ongoing cases. She raised concerns over instances of police interference in legal matters, especially where legal advice should rightly be the purview of the Ministry of Justice.
The Chief Judge concluded by expressing appreciation to the Executive Governor for his respect for the principle of separation of powers, which she described as essential for institutional harmony and effective governance.
The visit reinforced the shared commitment of both the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary to improve justice administration and uphold the rule of law in Nasarawa State.
