BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA
The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, has expressed her readiness to collaborate with and support the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable members of society.
Justice Abdulmalik made this known on Tuesday when the executive members of the International Human Rights Commission–Relief Fund paid her a courtesy visit at her office in Minna, the Niger State capital.
She explained that her recent directive restricting the prosecution of cases in courts to only professionally qualified lawyers was aimed at strengthening the protection of citizens’ rights and safeguarding the administration of justice against abuse and injustice.
According to the Chief Judge, allowing trained lawyers to prosecute cases enhances adherence to the rule of law and accelerates access to justice for litigants. She noted that the decision was part of broader reforms targeted at improving the justice delivery system and ensuring adequate protection for vulnerable citizens who depend on a fair and impartial judiciary.
She thanked the human rights organisation for the visit and assured them that the ongoing reforms in the state’s justice sector would be comprehensive and far-reaching. She urged the organisation to continue championing human rights, while stressing that such advocacy must always be carried out within the ambit of the law.
Justice Abdulmalik further stated that her office would treat any complaint or petition against judicial officers with utmost seriousness, adding that petitions must be supported with affidavits clearly stating allegations of misconduct or abuse of office.
Speaking earlier, a member of the Board of Trustees of the IHRC, Alhaji Mohammed Awaisu Wana, commended the Chief Judge for her efforts at restoring the integrity and dignity of the judiciary in Niger State.
He described an impartial judiciary as vital to peace and societal stability, noting that the reforms being championed by Justice Abdulmalik would significantly improve the administration of justice and enhance public confidence in the judicial system.
Alhaji Wana explained that the International Human Rights Commission is a registered organisation under the United Nations Economic and Social Council, established to promote awareness and defend the rights of the less privileged across the world.
He assured the Chief Judge of the organisation’s willingness to work closely with the judiciary to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights, urging her to remain steadfast in upholding justice without discrimination on the basis of race, gender or colour.
He, however, raised concerns over allegations that some judges in area courts and Sharia courts were abusing their offices for pecuniary gains, calling on the Chief Judge to intervene and ensure that such judicial officers are sanctioned in accordance with the law.
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