Occasion of the Swearing-in Ceremony of Three High Court Judges and the Inauguration of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of MercyNovember 3, 2003

Courtesies

I am delighted to be with you this morning on the occasion of swearing-in ceremony of three Judges of the Kano State High Court of Justice and the inauguration of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Although the three arms of Government, namely: the Executive, the legislature and the Judiciary must be allowed to work independently of one another, we are all aware that they must feel the pulse and heartbeat of one another to truly serve the purpose for which a government is formed.

Like I referred to the swearing-in ceremony of Members of Kano State Executive Council therefore, this occasion also represents one step further in our effort to put in place effective machinery for the Administration of Kano State.

While I congratulate the newly sworn-in High Court Judges therefore, I must also remind them that the occasion itself marks a milestone in their individual pursuits of expertise and excellence in their chosen profession. Considering that the last time High Court Judges were appointed and sworn-in was 10 years ago, it would be well within their rights to pat themselves on the back and deservingly congratulate themselves.

I also congratulate the just inaugurated Members of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy. Your selection by this Government is not only based on the State Law enacted, pursuant to the provision of the Constitution, it was also based on your personal achievements, your honesty, diligence and hard work. I have confidence in your individual ability to assist this Administration to oil the wheel of Justice such that justice and equity shall reign throughout Kano State.

On the occasion of the opening of the new Legal Year, you will remember that I reiterated this Administration’s resolve to ensure and respect the independence of the Judiciary. I made clear the obligation of the Executive on the Judiciary, and reminded you of the expectations of the citizenry on you.

By now, you must all be aware that we have started redeeming our pledges by releasing your quarterly overheads. As the Accounting Officer, I have also begun taking financial decisions to empower you to adequately perform your judicial duties. I assure you that within our means we shall continue to grant your financial requests without hindrance. You must remember however that as probity, transparency and accountability constitutes the baseline on which this Government operates; the Judiciary will be subjected to auditing just as the other two arms of Government are.

Information available to me indicates that I ought to have sworn-in seven High Court Judges. We are well aware of the circumstances that limited the number to three. I must remind you that we can only assist in the selection process of the High Court Judges. It is you My Lords that will overcome all inhibitions and make the process work. It is my singular opinion that as a matter of duty to yourselves and the people of Kano State, you must take a second look at your attitude and approaches in order that you serve people diligently and satisfactorily. You must also provide the right atmosphere for the younger generation of lawyers to recognize their potential in the legal profession.

As for the Members of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I call on you to be reminiscent of your onerous responsibility of advising me to exercise the powers conferred upon me by section 212 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999). I shall soon prepare and send a bill to the Kano State House of Assembly for the amendment of the Law establishing the Council, to enable it consult with victims of crimes and heirs of persons killed in the cause of committing offences. This would be aimed at enabling you to take account of their views as to whether they will rather forgive the offender or would have the judgment executed in all its ramifications. This would be in conformity with the principles of the Shari’ah, which I promised to implement in its entirety. Together I believe we shall ensure justice, equity and obedience to the rule of Law in Kano State.

I congratulate you once again. I also envisage a day that we shall all be contented with the quality of justice and the speed with which it is being meted out to the people of Kano State.

Thank you all, and God bless.