The Acting Chief Judge of Gombe State, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, on Wednesday, said the state judiciary disposed of 10,271 cases in 2021.
Pindiga disclosed this while declaring open the 2021/2022 legal year in Gombe.
He said that 3, 028 cases were pending in the state courts and would be carried into 2022.
According to him, the bulk of the cases filed in the state which comprised of civil and criminal files, were filed and heard at the Magistrates’ and Area Courts.
He also said that over N48million was realised from court fines and fees, probate fees, marriage registry and fees from tribunals.
The chief judge said within the year under review, 20 judicial officer lost their lives.
Pindiga stated that with the support of the state government, staff were sent to various training institutions for capacity building across the country.
While commending Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for his support, he urged the state government to implement full independence and autonomy of the state judiciary.
He said that this would ensure effective and efficient administration of justice.
Pindiga further charged judicial officers to exhibit high standard dedication, transparency, decorum and comportment.
In his remarks, Yahaya commended the judicial officers for the laudable achievements and successes recorded in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities during the year.
“Criminal justice delivery is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in our judicial system.
“I find it imperative to commend the Judiciary for working in harmony with other sectors towards achieving our desired goal of entrenching a truly crime free and peaceful society.
“It is in this regard that I recently appointed three High Court Judges and two Kadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal to enhance speedy dispensation of justice.
“The State Government equally provided vehicles to the newly appointed Judges and Kadis to facilitate effective service delivery,”he said.
He stated that his administration was committed to ensuring a strong and independent Judiciary to facilitate fair and speedy dispensation of justice.
“In other to ensure independence of the Judiciary and Legislature in line with the principle of separation of powers, I recently assented to the Law granting financial autonomy to thje two arms of government in the State,”he said.
He pledged his administration’s commitment to continue to support and sponsor man power development and training of welfare of Judges and Judiciary staff in the state.(NAN)
