Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abubakar, has sworn in Hon. Justice Rabi Talatu Umar as the first female Chief Judge and five advisers just as he cautioned against wanting.

It could be recalled that whistle blowers and concerned indigenes of Bauchi State had written several petitions to the State House of Assembly against the appointment of Justice Umar.

Challenging her appointment on grounds that she is not the most senior counsel to be appointed as Chief Judge. They alleged that she is not an indigene of the state and is also a relative of Governor Abubakar.

Governor Abubakar, in his speech during the swearing of Justice Rabi Umar, at the Multipurpose Indoor Sports Hall, Bauchi, on Thursday, said her appointment was in pursuant of Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

He said she had proven, over the years, to be an incorruptible legal practitioner.

Abubakar stated: “The officer I have sworn-in today has, over the years, proven to be an upright, impartial and incorruptible adjudicator and has distinguished herself as a seasoned legal officer by the way she has been handling her official assignment.

“I am therefore confident that she will bring all these qualities into play in the discharge of her duties as the State Chief Judge.”

The Governor charged her to live above board as a lot was being expected from her especially at this critical period of the nation’s history.

He urged her to initiate a number of reforms aimed at improving the legal system in the state to be in tune with the change mantra disposition of the present administration.

He called on other members of the bench to give the new Chief Judge the necessary cooperation to discharge her duties effectively.

“I want to remind members of the bench of their status as impartial arbiters who must not only dispense justice but must be seen to be dispensing justice without fear or favour. As the last resort of the common man, they must live above board and give good account of themselves to not only the people but also to God Almighty who will surely judge them in the hereafter,” he said.

Mohammed also called on the judiciary to continue to sustain and consolidate the rule of law without compromising their independence while promising that his administration will give the it the necessary support it needs to dispense justice.

In a related development, Governor Abubakar also swore-in five additional Special Advisers, bringing the number to ten.

He charged them against misconduct, saying: “I will not hesitate to sack whoever is found wanting in his responsibility as an adviser.”

The Governor implored them to operate an open-door policy and cooperate with their mother ministry in order to move the state forward.

The five newly appointed Special Advisers are Shehu Malam (SA Political); Magaji Dambam (SA Revenue Matters); Samaila Sanusi (SA Investment); Mohammed Waziri (SA Basic Education); and Maijama’a Mato (SA Labour Relations).

•Adapted from a Peoples Daily report. Photo shows Governor Abubakar.

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