Kano state governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has appointed Justice Patricia Mahmoud as the Acting Chief Judge of the state. She replaces Justice Shehu Atiku who retired from judicial service.
Speaking during the occasion, Gov. Kwankwaso explained that the appointment is in compliance with section 271 subsection 4 of the constitution, which states that the most senior judge acts as Chief Judge pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.
He commended the outgoing Chief for his commitment to duty hoping that his successor will sustain the spirit. He then promised to continue to do more for the state judiciary in the interest of a more equitable society.
Gov. Kwankwaso spoke on some of the achievements recorded in the judicial sector under his administration which include construction of 30 Shari’a courts, 26 magistrate courts, renovation of many other court complexes as well as upward review of salary of the judicial staff.
He expressed happiness for bringing to an end a situation where judicial officers in the state were performing their official duties from rented property when he took over the mantle of leadership in Kano in 2011.
The governor, used the occasion, to appeal to the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, to resume work so that dispensation of justice can be facilitated.
Speaking earlier the retiring Chief Judge of the state, Justice Shehu Atiku, described his successor as “incorruptible and hardworking,” adding that “she can competently discharge the responsibilities placed before her.”
Patricia Mahmoud, an Idoma from Benue state is an Honourable Judge of the Kano State High Court. She joined the state Ministry of Justice in 1983 and rose to become a Director of the Drafting and Research department. She was appointed to the bench in 1992. She is active in the Association of Women Judges both in Nigeria and internationally. She has been the Kano State Coordinator for Women in Nigeria (WIN), a feminist organization for years.
Justice Mahmoud is married to Mr. A. B. Mahmoud, SAN, a one-time Solicitor General and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano state.
