Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has appointed Justice Aisha Bashir as Acting Chief Judge of the state to replace Justice Suleiman Dikko, who exited after attaining the statutory 65 years retirement age.
The governor, who announced the appointment in Lafia, on Thursday, at the valedictory court session in honour of the retired CJ, said it was in exercise of his powers to appoint an acting CJ whenever there was a vacuum, and that a vacuum had been created with the retirement of Justice Dikko.
The governor pledged to continue to prioritise support to the judiciary, while wishing the retired CJ well in his future endeavours.
Earlier, Justice Dikko recounted his experience in the legal profession, from private practice up to his appointment as CJ in 2013 to date that he retired from service, saying that it had not been easy for him throughout his period as CJ, because he hardly had time for his family, friends and other associates.
The retired CJ said as a Judge, he sometimes passed judgments that were difficult, but he needed to do it because that was what was required of him as a Judge.
Dikko commended the governor for supporting the judiciary, especially in renovating so many courts across the state’s 13 local government areas, adding that under his watch the judiciary was able to implement promotion of staff up to 2016, paid annual increments up to 2014, using overhead costs.
The retired CJ appealed to the governor to build permanent court complexes for the Customary and Sharia courts that have been operating from rented accommodation , since the creation of the state 24 years ago.
On her part, Aisha Bashir, who is the first female CJ since the creation of the state in 1996, congratulated the retired CJ for his successful service to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The acting CJ also appealed to the governor to increase the monthly subvention of the state judiciary, to enable it address its numerous challenges, assuring that she would discharge her duties, without fear or favour, and in accordance with the law.
The valedictory session was attended by NBA members, Justices of High Courts, Magistrates and the Chief Justices of neighbouring Benue and Plateau states, among others. (NAN)
