Dispensation of justice in a democratic setting is one of the fundamental objectives and principles of state policy. This is contained in chapter II and VII of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It was in search of this social justice, to some orphans, in my area, that I was, last week at one of the Sharia courts in Kano for a case of succession. Many litigants around, waited for hours but were later told by one of the courts staff that the Hon. Judge will not be able to come.
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When I asked why? I was told that he was at another court, for he was overseeing two more courts. When I came back home, I went on to find out how true a Sharia court judge will be handling two or more courts. I discovered that it was true.
And I found out that most of the court cases in Kano are filed in Sharia courts. And always, these courts are congested with litigants.These days; more emigrants are trouping to Sharia courts. The danger here is that if care is not taken, these courts cannot handle cases because of their numbers.
On Tuesday, 9 March, 2021, Mr. John Chuks of Daily Trust, reported on “Workload high in FCT court” at page 30 of the paper. I discovered that the real workload is high in Sharia courts in Kano.
It was shortly, something came to my mind if his Excellency, the executive governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is aware of this situation?
If his Excellency is not aware, let him know now. Sharia courts are where common man goes to get justice; if workload is high in these courts, the common man may not get social justice.
Let more qualified Sharia court judges be appointed to these courts and renovate those Sharia courts that are in dilapidated condition while more Sharia courts should be created.
By so doing, justice will reach all parts of the state; there will be more dividends of democracy in the state. United we will stand and peace will reign.
Hamisu Garba writes from Kano
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