The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, on Wednesday swore in newly appointed magistrates and area court judges in Jalingo, charging them to uphold fairness, impartiality and the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
Justice Agya described magistrate and area courts as the foundation and frontline of the justice system, noting that they often serve as the first point of contact between the judiciary and the public, especially in rural and semi-urban communities.
“For many of our people, your courts are not only the nearest geographically but also the most accessible symbols of justice, fairness and the rule of law,” he said.
He stressed that the conduct of magistrates and area court judges plays a critical role in shaping public confidence in the judiciary.
“The manner in which you conduct your courts, treat litigants and determine cases shapes how ordinary citizens perceive justice,” the chief judge added.
Justice Agya described the swearing-in ceremony as a defining moment in the professional lives of the judicial officers and a significant milestone in the administration of justice in the state.
He reminded the newly sworn-in officers of the oath they had taken to uphold the Constitution, apply the law without fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and to dispense justice with integrity, diligence and impartiality.
While assuring them of continuous capacity-building programmes to enhance efficient service delivery, the chief judge warned that corruption and any form of compromise of justice would not be tolerated by the judiciary.
In his remarks, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr Yakubu Maikasuwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged the judicial officers to ensure that justice was effectively delivered in their respective areas of assignment.
Maikasuwa congratulated the new magistrates and area court judges and commended Justice Agya for strengthening the bench with young and vibrant judicial officers.
Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in officers, Mr Nafiu Garba thanked the chief judge for finding them worthy of the appointments and pledged their collective commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary.
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