By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Zamfara Chief Judge Hajia Kulu Aliyu has high lighted some of the challenges facing the Judiciary in the state
Hajia Kulu Aliyu was speaking while delivering a key note address at the 2 day WORKSHOP FOR MAGISTRATES, REGISTRARS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE ORGANISED BY HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE with the title “Role of stake holders in the administration of justice in zamfara state”
Justice Kulu said despite the Constitutional Provisions guaranteeing financial independence of the Judiciary, practical implementation remains a challenge. The High Court of Zamfara State receives a monthly cash allocation of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000.00) only, which is far below what is needed to run our Courts effectively, invest in technology, train Judicial Officers and other staff, buy working materials, buy diesel, and provide a conducive working environment. Without adequate funding the wheel of Justice turns slowly and public confidence is weakened. Financial autonomy is not just a constitutional command but a necessity for effective justice delivery and separation of powers.
She said Judicial Officers and other staff of the Judiciary are to attend and participate in various Workshops, Seminars and Conferences organized by the National Judicial Institute both within and outside the country for some years now, none of the High Court Judges attended any of the International Conferences approved by the Hon. Chief Justice and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute due to lack of funds.
She advocate the need for modern Court technology/Virtual hearing. and acknowledge the directive of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Hon. Justice K.M.O Kekere-Ekun, GCON, FNJI, that Courts should begin to adopt virtual hearing. This reform is not only progressive, it is essential. It aligns with global Judicial standards and improves efficiency, especially in a world shaped by digital transformation. Implementing virtual proceedings requires equipment, training, reliable internet infrastructure and strong administrative support. All these bring
us back to the question of funding and institutional commitment. A nation cannot claim to uphold democracy when its Judiciary is underfunded.
Justice Kulu said another challenge for the Judiciary is lack of befitting official vehicles for Judicial Officers, Magistrates, Sharia Court Judges and members of the Judicial Service Commission. By the provision of the Law, Judicial officers are to be provided with official vehicles after every four years. It is to be noted that the last time Judicial Officers were given official vehicles was 2020, six years ago. Some Magistrates and Sharia Court Judges resort to commercial transport to go to work.
Also speaking during the opening ceremony, the speaker zamfara state house of assembly pleag to work all arms of government to ensure speedy administration of justice in the state
