Area Court Judges In Nasarawa Appeal To Newly Appointed Attorney General For Legal Reforms
The Area Court Judges Association of Nigeria has appealed to the recently appointed Attorney General and commissioner for justice Bar. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji to intervene on the general legal reforms in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Association at the office of the Attorney General and commissioner for justice on Wednesday, Hon. Ado Musa Mohammed while congratulating the commissioner stressed that the appointment of the Attorney General is well-deserved and recognized their achievement as one of the recipients of awards at the Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association in Abuja.
“This appointment marks a significant moment for the legal community in Nasarawa State, as it is the first time a legal practitioner with extensive administrative experience in the legal domain has taken up the role of Commissioner of Justice.” He said.
He however stated that the Area court judges in the state are faced with a series of problems noting that from its inception the courts are closer to the grassroots.
“The judges stay in the community and know almost everybody within the community. It is also known for its speedy dispensation of justice.”
Ado noted that sometimes last year,the area court law was repealed and the courts scrapped but however sue to the magnanimity of the Hon. Chief judge of the state Hon. Justice Aishat Bashir, the law was amended and area courts was brought back to existence with the assistance of the ministry of justice and the JSC.
He pointed out that section 52 of the amended area court law 2023 has allowed the area court to judges to try both civil and criminal cases but an order was giving by the JSC to the Area courts not to preside over criminal cases which they said has rendered the Area courts useless in the places or their Assignments.
He further appealed to the Hon. Commissioner to look into the issue of harmonized law for both magistrate /Area court judges in the state enacted by the state Assembly in the year 2015. Adding that the package was implemented to all the magistrates but area courts judges were partially implemented.
Ado, however, prayed for a synergy between the ministry and the area court judges association in having workshops and Seminars.
Responding, Bar. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice, a prominent legal figure, expressed his appreciation for the recent decision to reverse the ban on the Area Courts Judges to preside over criminal cases in Nasarawa State.
Speaking on the matter, he commended the dedication of the judges working in Area courts and acknowledged the importance of their role in providing justice to the less privileged citizens.
Mgaji, who was away in Abuja when the ban was imposed, expressed his concern about the future of those who rely on the courts in the mountainous regions and the aggrieved citizens who lack the means to seek justice in city centers.
He applauded the judges for their selfless service, stating, “I envy you for accepting to work in rural areas when many of their colleagues are enjoying the comforts of white-collar activities in the city. These sacrifices should not be taken for granted.”
The legal expert also extended his gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and Chief Justice Aishat Bashir for their role in reversing the ban, noting that the decision was a step in the right direction. Moreover, he highlighted that this decision had spurred many judges to enhance their qualifications, with some even being called to the bar.
In a final assurance, Mgaji promised to address the issue of harmonizing the judges’ packages as requested, further affirming his support for the tireless efforts of the Association of Area Courts Judges in Nasarawa State.
