Zamfara: Malami Commissions Vehicles For Sharia Judges, Urges Govs To Implement Judicial Autonomy

The Attorney-General Of the Federation and Minister Of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, visited Zamfara state on Thursday to commission vehicles donated to magistrates, Sharia Court judges and other judicial officers by the state governor, Bello Matawalle.

The event was to mark the second-year anniversary of Matawalle’s tenure.

It also featured the commissioning of a presidential lodge.

Malami lauded the governor’s performance in the state and also extended President Muhammadu Buhari’s appreciation of the efforts he is putting towards providing security for the people of Zamfara.

“It is gratifying to note that during the two years of administration of Matawallen Maradun, many important developmental projects were carried out.

“More importantly, this administration saw to enhancement of peace and order in most part of the state in view of the lingering security challenges in the country. Measures have been taken by the Federal Government to bring to an end the insecurity in the country,” he said.

While making his presentation, the AGF reminded Nigerian governors that ensuring legislative and judicial autonomy would boost the nation’s institutions.

“The signing of Executive Order 10 by President Muhamamdu Buhari was aimed at re-enforcing and complementing Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Today’s ceremony for the formal presentation of operational vehicles to Magistrate and Shari’a Courts Judges in Zamfara State is no doubt a step towards enhancing productivity of the judges across the state.

“It is hoped that with the formal presentation of operational vehicles to Magistrates and Shari’a Courts Judges in Zamfara State, the State Government and indeed, governors of the 36 States of the Federation will work towards having the Executive Order 10 for the autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary implemented,” he said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the matter of judicial autonomy has increasingly occupied public discourse in recent times.

It had led Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to embark on a two months strike in a bid to push for its implementation.

Although the strike was called off on Wednesday, the National Judicial Council (NJC) established a committee that would ensure that state governors do not backtrack on their commitment towards JUSUN’s demands.