The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Gombe State has raised serious concerns about the state’s legal system, citing a critical need for modernization and increased funding. Nearly three decades after its creation, Gombe still operates under the shadow of outdated laws inherited from Bauchi State, from which it was carved. This reliance on archaic legislation, last revised by Bauchi in the early 1990s, creates significant challenges for legal practitioners and potentially undermines the administration of justice. The NBA chairman, Benjamin Sati, stressed the urgency of codifying Gombe’s own body of laws, arguing that citing outdated and possibly superseded legislation weakens legal arguments and casts doubt on the validity of court proceedings. This reliance on obsolete laws not only reflects poorly on the state’s legal framework but also raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of judicial decisions. The call for updated laws is a crucial step towards establishing a robust and independent legal identity for Gombe State.
Beyond the outdated legal framework, the NBA chairman also pointed to the inadequate funding of the state’s judiciary. Sati lamented that the Gombe judiciary is the least funded in the North-East region, hindering its effective operation and impacting the quality of justice delivery. This financial constraint affects various aspects of judicial function, including staff salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and the procurement of necessary resources. The lack of adequate funding directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the courts, potentially leading to delays in case resolution and contributing to a backlog of cases. The NBA’s plea for increased funding reflects a broader concern for strengthening the judiciary’s capacity to uphold the rule of law and ensure timely justice for the people of Gombe State.
Further complicating the situation is the precarious position of the Gombe division of the Court of Appeal. The lack of suitable accommodation for justices and staff has created the possibility of the court relocating to either Yobe or Borno States. This potential relocation is a significant setback for Gombe, highlighting the state’s struggle to provide the necessary infrastructure to support its judicial institutions. The NBA chairman urged the government to prioritize the completion of accommodation for the Court of Appeal to secure its presence in Gombe. The retention of the Court of Appeal is not just a matter of prestige but also of practical importance, as its relocation would impose significant burdens on litigants and further strain the already limited resources of the judiciary.
In response to these concerns, Gombe State’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Zubair Umar, acknowledged the need for a codified body of laws and assured that the government is actively working towards this goal. He explained that a contract has been awarded for the compilation of Gombe’s laws, with a significant portion of the funds already disbursed. Furthermore, an executive bill has been submitted to the State House of Assembly for approval, a crucial step towards enacting the new legal framework. While acknowledging the ongoing process, Umar expressed optimism that the compilation would be completed within the year, paving the way for a more modern and relevant legal system in Gombe State.
Regarding the Court of Appeal’s accommodation issue, the Attorney General maintained that Gombe remains committed to retaining the court and has provided temporary accommodations, power, and water supply. He placed the responsibility for the delay in completing permanent residences on the Court of Appeal headquarters, asserting that the state has fulfilled its obligations. This apparent discrepancy between the state government’s claims and the observed lack of progress underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for greater transparency and accountability in addressing the issue. The future of the Court of Appeal in Gombe remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s judiciary.
Amidst these challenges, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Halima Mohammed, highlighted the judiciary’s achievements in case resolution. She presented statistics indicating a significant number of cases filed, disposed of, and pending, showcasing the court’s ongoing efforts to administer justice. Governor Muhammadu Yahaya echoed this sentiment, commending the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining law and order. He further emphasized the importance of judicial reforms to expedite justice delivery and alleviate prison congestion. The Governor’s acknowledgment of the need for reforms, coupled with his announced plans to appoint additional judges and improve judicial welfare, signals a commitment to strengthening the judiciary and enhancing its capacity to serve the people of Gombe State. The Governor also stressed the importance of technological modernization, advocating for the adoption of digital tools to streamline judicial processes and enhance efficiency. This commitment to modernization reflects a broader recognition of the need to adapt to the evolving demands of a modern justice system.
