DAR AL HARB/ISLAM - NIGERIA: SHARI'AH COURT JUDGES SHOULD EMULATE THE SUPREME COURT IN THE DELIVERY OF JUSTICE

Emulate S’Court, judge urges Sharia courts
By Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja

Published: Tuesday, 26 Jun 2007

The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Justice Lawal Gummi, has called on Sharia Court judges to emulate the Supreme Court in justice delivery.

He said this would sustain the confidence of the public in the judiciary.

Gummi gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, while speaking at the opening of a five-day workshop organised by the National Judicial Institute for Sharia Court judges, directors and inspectors.

The judge, who was represented by Justice Ishaq Bello, a judge in the FCT judiciary, said the position of the Sharia Court judge, directors and inspectors were essential in the effective dispensation of justice.

Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Enhancing the administration of justice in Sharia courts,” Gummi said it was carefully chosen ”considering the fact that the nation‘s judiciary is now increasingly under focus at home and abroad.”

The Administrator of NJI, Justice Timothy Oyeyipo, urged the Sharia Court judges to be upright and maintain high standard of integrity while performing their duties.

Oyeyipo said, ”As judges in the Sharia Court who handle the bulk of cases involving Islamic law in both civil and criminal matters, I urge you to set for yourselves a high standard of judicial integrity, incorruptibility, fairness and justice to all parties that come before you.

”You should be the embodiment of a judicial officer who keeps and abide by the oaths of his office.

”Your official and private life should be exemplary and above board. This is important because you more often come into contact with the people at the grassroots who look up to the courts as their last hope.”



Pertinent Links:

1) Emulate S’Court, judge urges Sharia courts