Chief Judge says the appointments followed due process
Eight new Borno State High Court judges were on Wednesday sworn-in, following their recommendation by the Borno State Government and confirmation by the National Judicial Service Commission (NJC).
While reviewing the process of selection, the Chief Judge of the state, Kashim Zanna, said it was based on principle of separation of power as enshrined in the constitution.
“We actually sent eight names to the National Judicial Service Commission and we were expecting approval for seven judges but the NJC believed the judiciary in Borno has performed well and rather than picking one out of the two last names which we were contemplating to appoint before, it approved the two names and we ended up getting eight,” he explained.
Zanna said it was after the recommended list was sent to the state JSC that it forwarded the names to the governor for approval.
Kashim Shettima, the state Governor, who presided over the swearing-in ceremony in Maiduguri, explained that the judiciary was the last hope of the people and urged the newly appointed judges to live up to the expectations and challenges of their calling.
He also explained that the appointment was done without any influence.
“Honestly, there was no influence from the government for anybody to be appointed. We received the recommended list from the state Judicial Service Commission through the chief judge and we approved after carefully studying the lists.”
The judges include Hadiza Ali, Yaro Gambo, Aishatu Ali, Shettima Umara, Aishatu Kumalia. Others appointed from private practice include Adamu Musa, Fadawu Haruna and Yusuf Mshellia.
Shettima also announced the donation of 30 iPads to both the old and newly appointed judges to enhance their operations.
