The newly appointed Magistrates and Shariah Court Judges in the service of the Niger State Judiciary have been charged to remain steadfast, resolute, and ethical in the discharge of their duties.
The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik, gave the charge on Monday during the official inauguration of ten Magistrates and ten Shariah Court Judges at the Judiciary Headquarters in Minna.
Justice Abdulmalik urged the judicial officers to refrain from all forms of inducement and compromise, warning that they would face various temptations in the course of duty. “You will be confronted with a variety of temptations—whether from relations, court staff, advocates, or politicians—who may attempt to influence your decisions or sway the course of justice. You must remain steadfast and rebuff them in order to stay focused and afloat,” she cautioned.
She noted that their appointments come at a critical period when the judiciary in Niger State is undergoing transformation into a result-oriented, technology-driven, and accountable institution. The transformation, she explained, includes a comprehensive programme for continuous training.
The Chief Judge emphasized that their new roles come with a grave responsibility. “You are God’s vicegerents on earth because you decide the fate of others. You are public figures and epitomes of justice. You must strictly adhere to the code of conduct for judicial officers and court employees,” she said.
Justice Abdulmalik admonished the new appointees to deliver justice with integrity, impartiality, and urgency, stressing that their appointments should reflect a renewed commitment to upholding the sanctity of the rule of law. She reminded them that justice must be prompt, fair, and equitable, and that their conduct must reinforce public trust in the judiciary.
“As you preside over the courts of first instance, people will turn to you when they are aggrieved or believe their rights have been violated. You must be the stewards of justice and the conscience of society by protecting the most vulnerable,” she charged.
She further warned that the law does not respect anyone’s position and that everyone is equal before it. “You must be blind to bias and uphold the highest ethical standards to restore and sustain public trust in the judiciary,” she added.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Niger State Judicial Service Commission (NSJSC), Barrister Hauwa Kulu Isah, congratulated the appointees and urged them to dispense justice swiftly and without delay.
She disclosed that the inauguration was part of a broader reform agenda initiated by the Commission to revitalize the state’s judiciary. “As part of this initiative, the Commission recently recruited 100 new judicial staff comprising legal research assistants, programme analysts, magistrates, and Shariah Court judges, among others,” she revealed.
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Judge administering the oath of office to the 20 newly appointed Magistrates and Shariah Court Judges.
