TheCable

Abdullahi Sule, governor of Nasarawa, on Monday swore in Aisha Bashir-Aliyu as the state’s first female chief judge.

Bashir-Aliyu had been working in an acting capacity for over three months following the retirement of Suleiman Umaru Dikko, her predecessor.

She was sworn in after her confirmation by the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) and screening by the state house of assembly.

She will be the fifth person to occupy the position since the state was created in 1996.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sule asked Bashir-Aliyu to take the appointment as a litmus test while expressing optimism that she will not disappoint “the womenfolk”.

The governor said Bashir-Aliyu was appointed based on her track record of professionalism and experience.

He urged her to always embrace fairness and justice in the discharge of her duties.

“Let me, therefore, congratulate the new Chief Judge on your well-deserved appointment. I am happy to note once again that Honourable Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu is the 1st female to be appointed as the Chief Judge in the history of Nasarawa State,” Sule said.

“You must, therefore, see this appointment as a litmus test. I believe that you will not let the women folk down by ensuring that you bring your wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of this pace-setting onerous task. You must always remember that as head of the Judicial Arm of Government, you are the symbol of fairness, equity, justice and objectivity which the society is yearning for.

“Let me reiterate that the Judiciary is the fulcrum which the rule of law and democratic tenets rests on. We see the Judiciary as an institution that is critical and provides the needed impetus that strengthens the relationship among the organs of Government. It is against this backdrop that our Administration attaches high premium to this important institution to enable it achieve its noble objectives, as well as meeting the expectations of the people in the State.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I need to add that the Judiciary is the hope of the common and not so common man in the society. As the Chief Judge, you must realize that this is a call to serve the people and in carrying out your official duties, I urge you to let the fear of God and public interest take precedence over personal preferences and inclinations.

“It is important to once again state that your appointment as the Honourable Chief Judge of the State is based on your record of experience, professionalism, patriotism, loyalty and, above all, your proven integrity in the discharge of your responsibilities. We don’t expect anything less.”