By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
In a bid to improve access to justice and expand Court infrastucture the FCT Administration has promised to support the establishment of the Garki Division of the FCT High Court.
FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello made gave this promise when the Chief Judge of the FCT Hon. Justice Salisi Garba paid a courtesy visit to the FCTA.
The Minister who congratulated Justice Garba said that his appointment came at a time when the FCT needed people like the new Chief Judge, and acknowledged former Justices of the FCT in their efforts at maintaining peace and order in the Territory.
He said, “The FCT is a creation of law in all its ramifications and that is why for us that are saddled with the responsibility of running this territory, we are very conscious, very appreciative and also very concerned with matters of law and order.”
“That is why among all the institutions of government that are closest in enabling us to be able to achieve our mandate as managers of the territory, I think the FCT Judiciary is number one, because without your support, I don’t see how we can manage Abuja as a city and as a territory. I’m saying so with a high sense of responsibility and appreciation. So, I wish to convey our thanks to you.”
The Minister also congratulated the Chief Judge on the elevation of 6 Justices from the FCT High Court to the Court of Appeal and said it was a thing of pride to the FCT.
Hon. Justice Salisu Garba said that the FCT Minister has provided exemplary leadership in an exceptionally difficult time.
Justice Garba said “As an arm of government, ours is a tradition which expresses itself in conviction that a country’s strength lies in the success of its judiciary. It is highly commendable that the Hon. Minister has demonstrated manifest interest and commitment in supporting the FCT Judiciary with the view of facilitating quantitative and qualitative administration of justice in line with international best practices.
This he added would help to reinforce the FCT High Court’s positive image in the country as one of the courts with the modern system of justice that is fair and impartial, regardless of gender, religion or colour.’
Present at the courtesy visit were the Hon. Minster of State of the FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, some Justices of the FCT High Court as well as senior officials of the FCTA.
