Gombe State Governor, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya has pledged the support of his administration to ensuring quick dispensation of justice across the state.
Governor Yayaha who made the pledge when he commissioned a new court of appeal, Gombe state division on Thursday expressed optimism that the Court will help promote faster adjudication of cases and increase access to justice for the common people.
He said that the commissioning of the Court Session of the Gombe Division of the Court of Appeal has hastened the establishment of the Court in the state has marked an important milestone in the development of the Judiciary.
He noted that since its establishment in 1976, the Court of Appeal has continued to serve as an intermediary and appellate tribunal between the Supreme Court and the lower courts.
Yahaya observed that over the years, the appellate court has witnessed expansion with a view to enhancing swift and efficient administration of justice.
According to him, “It is for the respect I have for the constituted authority, rule of law and the principle of separation of powers that saw to the support of this government for the judiciary which has a crucial role in nation building”.
He further commended the role played by the President of the Court of Appeal and other well meaning individuals in making the dream of the establishment of the appellate court in Gombe a reality.
While paying glowing tribute to outgoing Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa for her contribution to the growth and development of the Judiciary in the country, the Governor said, “it is for this reason that the state government deemed it fit to name the Women and Children Hospital, Idi after her”.
In her remark, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa said the Court of Appeal is primarily an appellate Court which hears appeals from some specified courts and tribunals in the country.
She said the expansion of the Court of Appeal across the country is aimed at reducing difficulties associated with long distant travels to courts, cost of transportation and delays due to court congestion.
The Appeal Court President further said the long distance from Gombe, Yobe and Borno states to Jos division of the Court of Appeal necessitated the establishment of the Gombe division to bring justice closer to the people.
She appreciated the Gombe State Government for its support towards the speedy realization of the Court of Appeal division in Gombe.
After the commissioning ceremony, Governor Yahaya and other dignitaries witnessed the inaugural session of the Appeal Court, presided over by Justice Bulkachuwa.
Meanwhile, the President of the Court of Appeal had earlier led presiding justices of various divisions of the Court of Appeal and other judges on a courtesy visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House, where both leaders discussed matters of mutual benefit.
Also, at the visit, Governor Yahaya presented the title documents of the allocated permanent site of the appeal court to justice Zainab Bulkachuwa.
