Members of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, in Niger State have urged the state House of Assembly to expedite action on the Bill for the Administration of Criminal Justice and Penal Code laws of the state currently before the House.
The Chairman NBA Minna branch, Barrister Mohammed Waziri Abdulkadir, made the call during the special court session to mark the beginning of 2022/2023 legal year, organized by the Niger State Judiciary in Minna.
According to him, the call became necessary due to continuous delay in the passage of the bill by the House which has become a major hindrance to progress in the administration of justice in the state.
The chairman said, “The passage of the bill is paramount by the lawmakers and long overdue. It is embarrassing that Niger State is among the three states that are yet to pass the bill.”
Abdulkadir also thanked the 9th Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, for her efforts in reviving the tradition of the annual legal year ceremony in the state.
The NBA Minna branch chairman also reiterated the commitment of his association to uphold the supremacy of the constitution and rule of law.
According to him, the special court session organised by the judiciary to mark the 2022/2023 legal year, provided members of the Bar with a forum to appraise themselves and review past activities, achievements and challenges and expectations.
Earlier, the Chief Registrar, state High Court Jibrin Zabbo, in his address explained that the decision by the state chief judge of the state to hold the special court session, since the creation of the state in 1976 was a good development.
According to him, “This event is aimed at reviewing and accessing the activities of the judiciary in the past and present.
“This is regarding its performances and challenges, so as to chart a new course in the administration of justice in the state for better performance in the year ahead.”
The Chief Registrar then commended the state government for its assistance to the judiciary over the years, particularly in ensuring the revival of the annual special legal year in the state.
