THE Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, has sworn in three new judges of the Katsina State High Court, charging them to uphold integrity, fairness, and public trust in the discharge of their duties.
The new appointees are Justice Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Justice Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, and Justice Abubakar Muhammad Dikko.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Katsina, was attended by top officials from the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and families of the appointees.
Governor Radda described the event as “a remarkable milestone in the state’s judicial history,” noting that the appointments would strengthen the judiciary and enhance effective justice delivery.
“Today, we are swearing in three new judges of the Katsina State High Court. This is a significant step forward for our judiciary because it increases our capacity and strengthens the administration of justice in our state,” he said.
He commended the State Judicial Service Commission for ensuring a merit-based selection process, while urging the judges to remain guided by their oath of office.
“After some time, maybe a month, I advise that we all go back and read this oath again. It will remind us that whatever we do, God is watching and aware of all our actions,” Radda added.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary and legislature, emphasizing that collaboration among all three arms of government is vital to maintaining peace and justice.
“There is nothing we can achieve as a state without a strong and effective judicial system. The judiciary remains the backbone of peace, order, and justice in our society,” he said.
He also stressed the need for timely dispensation of justice, warning that delays could erode public confidence in the judicial process.
“It is important that we dispense justice promptly and fairly so that we can build a society anchored on justice, peace, and unity,” he noted.
The new judges bring a wealth of experience to the bench.
Justice Maryam Umaru Abdullahi earned her degrees from the University of Abuja and the United Kingdom. She previously served as State Solicitor, Head of the Notary Public Unit at the Supreme Court, and Deputy Director at the National Judicial Institute.
While Justice Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, holds two Master’s degrees, including one in Oil and Gas Law from the UK. He has worked in academia, the National Judicial Institute, and the National Assembly.
Justice Abubakar Muhammad Dikko is a veteran legal practitioner with over 20 years at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where he served as Head of Litigation and as Research Assistant to a former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Governor Radda concluded by praying for divine guidance, wisdom, and fairness for the newly sworn-in judges as they begin their duties.