Gov. Idris donates N100m to NBA for secretariat building

Gov. Idris donates N100m to NBA for secretariat building

Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi has donated N100 million to Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Equity Chamber, for the construction of its State Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi.

Idris made the donation on Tuesday at the inauguration of Justice Sector Reform Team Steering Committee, and unveiling of two additional units in the State Ministry of Justice.

“I have considered your two requests for the building of a state secretariat and provision of transportation for lawyers in the state.

“I know it is uncomfortable for lawyers going to courts to ride commercial motorcycles, and ride in tricycles.

“I regard the construction of the secretariat as paramount at the moment, so that when the NBA is scheduled to hold a meeting in the state, it will not lack the accommodation to host guests,” he said.

Idris assured the lawyers that his administration would further provide them with other necessary means of transportion, saying that he had made funds available for the refurbishing of their grounded vehicles in the interim.

“I hold the judiciary in high esteem, and I am committed to justice sector reform for quick justice service delivery and access to justice by all, without hindrance.

“My assent to the justice reform bill, initiated by my administration, reflects my commitment to reform in the judicial system, for efficiency, effectiveness, and quick dispensation of justice.

“I have already made budgetary provision for justice reform in the 2024 budget of the state.

“I have improved welfare of judicial staffers, including their remunerations as well as infrastructural development of the sector, ” he said.

The governor commended the state house of assembly for the speedy passage of the justice reform bill, and contribution to justice sector reform in the state.

In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the state assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, commended the governor for upholding the principle of justice and fairness through the improvement of judicial system.

On his part, the Chairman of the steering committee, who is the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Umar Abubakar, acknowledged that the reform in the sector would improve justice delivery and enhance speedy dispensation of cases in courts.

In his welcome address, the state Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General of the state, who is also the Chairman of the justice reform team, Dr Junaidu Bello, explained that the reform would reduce rights violations.

” It will also increase public awareness to justice, ensure protection of the rights of citizens and facilitate speedy trial of cases.

“I commend the chief judge for approving the establishment of special panels to adjudicate on rape cases, banditry and kidnapping which has helped immensely in justice delivery.

“I also commend the governor for his crucial support to reform in the justice ministry and the judiciary as well as the state house of assembly, for its quick passage of the bill on justice reform,” he said.

The Chairman of the NBA in the state, Alhaji Lawal Hudu-Garba, thanked the governor for sponsoring indigenous students studying in law school, and his welfare package to the judicial staff and judiciary in the state.

“The state has been consistent in producing Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), and we now have seven SANs in the state, including the Solicitor General of the state,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two units inaugurated included gender-based violence support unit and citizens’ rights, and public engagement unit.

Each of the units received free phone and email services to lodge complaints.