Gombe Lawyers Still Rely On Outdated Bauchi Laws, Says NBA Chairman
Nearly 28 years after its creation in 1996, Gombe State’s legal system continues to depend on outdated Bauchi State laws, lamented Benjamin Sati, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Gombe branch.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 legal year ceremony, Sati highlighted the urgent need for Gombe to establish a modern, codified body of laws.
“Gombe State still relies on outdated Bauchi laws from 1990 and 1991, even though Bauchi has revised these laws twice. This creates a scenario where we may be citing non-existent laws in court, which undermines our judiciary,” Sati said.
He also criticised the inadequate funding of the state judiciary, describing it as the least funded in the North-East region. “The judiciary faces severe challenges due to insufficient funding. We urge the government to increase allocations to support seamless judicial operations,” he added.
Sati further raised concerns over the potential relocation of the Gombe division of the Court of Appeal, citing incomplete accommodations for justices and staff. He appealed to the state government to address this urgently to prevent the court’s relocation to Yobe or Borno States.
In response, the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Zubair Umar, revealed that a contract had been awarded to produce a comprehensive body of Gombe State laws, with over 60% of the funds already disbursed.
“The governor has sent an executive bill to the House of Assembly for approval. We expect the codified laws to be ready before the middle of the year,” Umar said.
Regarding the Court of Appeal, Umar reassured that the state was working to retain the court. He noted that while the justices currently reside in temporary accommodations, the state has ensured the provision of power, water, and other essentials.
Gombe’s Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, acknowledged progress within the judiciary over the past year. She reported that 616 cases were filed, 555 disposed of, and 781 remain pending, underscoring ongoing efforts to improve justice delivery.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya commended the judiciary for its contributions to maintaining law and order, highlighting judicial reforms as a priority for ensuring speedy justice and reducing prison congestion.
“Our commitment to judicial reforms includes the appointment of additional judges and staff, enhanced welfare for judicial personnel, and the adoption of digital tools to streamline processes and boost efficiency,” the governor said.
These measures, Yahaya added, aim to strengthen the judiciary’s responsiveness to public expectations and uphold the rule of law in Gombe State.
