Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has pledged to initiate a comprehensive review of the state’s laws to reflect contemporary realities before the end of his administration.

Mr Zulum made the pledge on Saturday at the official launch of the Digital Case Management System at the Borno State Ministry of Justice, held at the Musa Usman Secretariat in Maiduguri.

The event also featured the unveiling of the ministry’s new logo, core values, mission statement, and an electronic library designed to enhance legal research and accessibility.

The governor stressed the urgent need for legal reforms, particularly in the state’s penal code, noting that existing provisions were no longer effective in deterring criminal offences.

“Most of the provisions of the laws, especially the penal code, need to be reviewed. At present, the punishment in the provisions of the law cannot provide the needed deterrence for defaulters,” Mr Zulum said.

“My administration will look into this so that before the expiration of my tenure, In Shaa Allah, we shall have laws that are in tandem with current realities.”

Mr Zulum expressed full support for the Ministry of Justice’s digital transformation drive, stating that the newly introduced Digital Case Management System would improve efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance legal service delivery in the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and capacity building of legal personnel, promising assistance for those pursuing further education.

“I am happy to see many female lawyers. I want to assure you that any person who wants to further his education, I am willing to support them,” he said.

The governor commended the chief judge of Borno, Kashim Zannah, for pioneering the introduction of the digital case management system in the state judiciary five years ago, making Borno the first in Nigeria to adopt such innovation.

He also lauded the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Abubakar, for her leadership and reform-oriented initiatives.

In his remarks, Justice Zannah praised Mr Zulum for his administration’s commitment to institutional reforms and called for the digitisation of state laws to enhance public accessibility.

Also speaking, Ms Abubakar described the occasion as a significant milestone in the reform of the state’s justice system.

“The unveiling of our new identity is not merely symbolic. It reflects our renewed focus, clarity of purpose, and unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and integrity,” she said.

(NAN)