Gov Idris Inaugurates Justice Sector Reform Team In Birni Kebbi, Donates N100m To NBA

Kebbi state governor, Dr Nasir Idris,  the Kauran Gwandu on Tuesday donated N100million to the state chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to support its ongoing State Secretariat Project in Birnin Kebbi.

A statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yahaya Sarki noted that Dr. Idris announced the donation when he inaugurated the State Justice Sector Reform Team, Steering Committee and  also unveiled  two additional units in Birni Kebbi on Tuesday..

The governor noted that the  kind gesture was to facilitate the completion of the NBA state secretariat project that has been ongoing for a very long time.

‘This administration belongs to you and we will do everything to assist you so that you will  become more comfortable and efficient.

 I have considered your two requests for the building of a state secretariat and the  provision of  what will ease transportation for  lawyers in the state. 

Although, it is uncomfortable for lawyers going to courts to join commercial motorcycles and ride in tricycles.

 I regard the construction of the secretariat as 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. 

The governor added that the event was in line with the Justice Sector Reform Law, 2023,  which he signed into law on 29th Dec. 2023, noting that it was 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 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  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 in the sector.

He restated his administration’s commitment to  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 said.

The governor also announced the establishment of two additional units at the State Ministry of Justice.

They are: Citizens’ Rights  and Public Engagement and GBV Support Unit, all in a 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 awareness 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 his 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. 

 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  state NBA Chairman , Alhaji Lawal Hudu-Garba, thanked the governor for  sponsoring  indigenes of the state  who are attending the  law school and his welfare  package for 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-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you