The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has assured his administration’s total support for the independence of the Judiciary and rule of law which he affirmed as a necessary requirement for the sustenance of democratic governance, peace and development of the state.
Addressing Principal Staff of the Ministry of Justice during his visit to the Ministry on Thursday, Governor El-Rufai said his administration will not interfere in the affairs of the judiciary as regards to the dispensation of justice, funding and rule of law.
The governor while describing the judiciary as a very important Arm of government, assured his readiness to work closely with the Ministry.
Governor El-Rufai expressed worry over the poor state of prisons across the state due to congestion of prisoners, and however appealed to the Chief Judge to ensure the speedy trial of inmates especially those awaiting trials.
The governor also said he will liaise with the Chief Judge to review the cases of some of the inmates particularly those on death rolls to see how he can grant some of them amnesty if the need arises.
The Kaduna State Chief Judge, Tanimu Zailani thanked the governor for the unscheduled visit to the Ministry, and however used the opportunity to highlight some of the challenges confronting the Ministry which includes lack of Judges for the three Arms of the State Judiciary, High Court, Sharia Court of Appeal and Customary Court of Appeal.
He explained that he will visit the need for the appointment of Sharia and Customary Court Judges.
From the Ministry of Justice, Governor El-Rufai also paid another unscheduled visit to the state owned Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital where he inspected the ongoing installation of a Hemodialysis Centre.
He assured speedy upgrading of the facility to teaching hospital for the Kaduna State University. – Channels.
