Gombe Governor Swears-In Justice Joseph Awak As Chief Judge

By Tinu Ajiboye in Gombe.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration will continue to support the Judiciary and Legislature in discharging their statutory responsibilities effectively for the overall benefit of the people of the State.

The Governor stated this while performing the swearing-in of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Joseph Ahmed Awak at the Government House in Gombe on Friday.

He said since inception, the three arms of Government had been partnering in the development of Gombe State, stressing that the unity and harmony must be maintained going forward.

“To facilitate the proper functioning of the Judicial Arm of Government, our administration has placed emphasis on having a harmonious working relationship with the Judiciary,”he said.

While restating his commitment to continue supporting the independence of the Judiciary in Gombe State for enhancement of service delivery and speedy administration of justice, Governor Inuwa assured the entire members of the Judiciary that he would continue to make available,all necessary facilities and funding for the discharge of the statutory responsibilities of the Judicial Arm.

“The myriad of challenges facing our dear nation cannot be tamed without ensuring swift, sure, and fair administration of justice. It therefore goes without saying that we require an incorruptible judiciary where justice shall be dispensed to all manner of people in the State without discrimination, fear or favour,” he added.

The governor congratulated the new judiciary helmsman for being found worthy to superintend over the important arm of Government.

“First and foremost, our gratitude goes to Allah (SWT) for giving us the opportunity to witness this important occasion for the swearing-in of the substantive Chief Judge of Gombe State.

“It is indeed a joyful and historic moment seeing you cheerfully taking the Oath of Office. Constitutionally, you are now head of the Judiciary arm of Government in the State”.

” Following the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission on the 16th of March 2022, as required by the Constitution, I approved the appointment of Justice Joseph A. Awak as the substantive Head of the State High Court of Justice as ratified by the Honorable members of the Gombe State house of assembly,” the governor said.

He described Justice Joseph Awak as a man well known for his sterling qualities, befitting of a top-ranking judicial officer, whose appointment as the Chief Judge of the state was a culmination of many years of meritorious and selfless service to the Judicial Arm of Government, not just in Gombe State but also the federation as a whole.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Justice Awak will discharge his duties in this new role with utmost commitment and integrity as he has always done for the benefit of our dear State.

“The importance of having judicial officers with high levels of experience and moral rectitude at this moment of our history cannot be over emphasised. It is undeniable that unbridled corruption, violent crimes and numerous other forms of criminal behaviours have bedevilled our nation, making it extremely difficult, if not completely impossible, to meet our developmental aspirations and consolidate our constitutional democracy”.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, described the occasion as unique in the history of the present administration, with the third Chief Judge being sworn-in for the High Court of justice by Governor Inuwa Yahaya, two in acting capacity and today’s in substantive capacity.

He noted that the development will assist in the administration of justice in the State and therefore congratulated Justice Awak on his well – deserved appointment as the head of the Judiciary arm of Government in Gombe State.

In another development,
the Government of Gombe state has warned the people, especially contractors, suppliers, service providers and others, who engage in commercial activities in the state against dealing with some unscrupulous elements, who now pose as staff of the Due Process Bureau.

The agency, which has received complaints from some members of the public explained that some unauthorized persons are posing as staff of Due Process Bureau to defraud unsuspecting clients.

The Director-General, Due Process Bureau in the state, Babayola Mohammed Isa, who raised the red alert in a statement he signed, noted that the state government had received complaints from individuals on the activities of some unauthorized persons posing as the staff of the Bureau to defraud unsuspecting clients.

He reminded contractors, suppliers and service providers that the Bureau does not operate any account for the purpose of payment of fees/charges.

“For the benefit of doubt, all payments in this regard are made through Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) into the Gombe State Single Treasury Account (TSA)” he said.

He urged members of the public to take cognizance of the state Government’ ‘position on this and ignore anyone posing as the staff of the Bureau.

Isa warned that the Due Process Office will not be liable for any transactions outside the established official channel and urged all those seeking enquiries about the Bureau’s operations and activities to visit: “the official website (http://dueprocess.gm.gov.ng/landing) or directly visit the Due Process Office situated at the Government House.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.