Gov. Aliyu Swears Fati Abubakar As Niger Acting Chief Judge

Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger on Thursday swore-in Justice Fati Lami Abubakar as the acting Chief Judge of Niger. Abubakar’s appointment followed the exit of the Chief Judge, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, who proceeded on retirement, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 years. Aliyu said the appointment and consequent swearing-in of Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge of the state was in conformity with the powers vested in his office under Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution. He said that given Abubakar's  impressive credentials as the most senior High Court Judge, he was confident that she would discharge her duties diligently ``without fear or favour.'' He commended the outgoing chief judge on his contribution to the legal development in the state, especially ``the way and manner'' he  handled the state judiciary. In his speech, the out-going chief judge called for increased funding of the judiciary. ``Unless the judiciary is adequately funded through the requisite channels as entrenched in the provision of Section 121(3) of the 1999 constitution, the ideal situation would continue to elude us. ``Annual budgets are hardly ever implemented, capacity building has suffered, many courts are in dilapidated conditions, such environment will affect productivity and give negative impression about the judiciary,''  he said.   Leadership