The Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Rabi Umar, has sworn in newly appointed Sharia Court judges, urging them to uphold justice with integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility.
The oath-taking ceremony took place on Wednesday at the High Court No. 1 premises in Bauchi.
Justice Umar described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, stressing the need for the judges to carry out their duties without fear or favour.
She highlighted the importance of diligence, fairness, and strict adherence to the rule of law, noting that public confidence in the judiciary largely depends on the conduct of its officers.
The Chief Judge also warned against exceeding judicial authority, particularly issuing orders that could hinder security agencies from performing their lawful responsibilities, adding that misconduct would not be tolerated.
She further emphasised the need for continuous learning, professionalism, and ethical conduct, urging the judges to justify the trust placed in them after a rigorous selection process.
According to her, the newly inaugurated judges will handle a range of civil matters, including disputes related to land, family, and commercial issues within their jurisdictions, thereby strengthening justice delivery at the grassroots level.
Justice Umar also commended the Judicial Service Commission and the appointment committee for their transparency and diligence throughout the selection process.
Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Muhammad Salihu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, pledging that the judges would carry out their duties with honesty and dedication.