Niger Commissioner Pledges To Defend State In Gurara Land Dispute Case
The Niger State Commissioner for Land and Survey, Barrister Maurice Magaji, has reiterated his commitment to defending the state government in an ongoing land dispute involving communities in the Gurara Local Government Area.
Magaji appeared at High Court No. 2, presided over by Justice Mikailu, to support the government’s legal team in a case filed by eight members of the Gurara community. The plaintiffs allege the forceful acquisition of their land for a state agricultural program. The suit names Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago and Commissioner Magaji as the first and second defendants, respectively.
Explaining his presence in court, Magaji stated it was necessitated by a shortage of lawyers in the ministry and his desire to bolster the government’s defence efforts.
“Today, I appeared in court to advocate for the state in this land acquisition matter. My appearance is not just due to the limited number of lawyers we have but also to encourage our legal team and ensure cases are handled with the utmost commitment,” he said.
Magaji emphasized his determination to expedite long-standing legal matters and ensure transparency in land-related issues. He vowed to continue making court appearances when necessary to safeguard government interests and uphold public trust.
“This is not a one-time occurrence. As a lawyer, I will remain actively involved in court cases to defend the government and fulfill our responsibilities to the people,” Magaji assured.
His proactive approach signals a hands-on shift in governance, aiming to address lingering legal disputes and reinforce accountability in the management of land resources.
