Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi on Monday swore in Justice Umar Abubakar as the state’s chief judge.

The inauguration of the new chief judge in Birnin Kebbi followed his confirmation by the House of Assembly on January 4.

The governor described the new chief judge as an illustrious son of the state, adding that the state was proud of his achievements and records in the judiciary.

“We will reform the judiciary in the state and create an enabling environment for it to work,” Mr Idris said.

Mr Idris urged Mr Abubakar to ensure proper things were done in the judiciary.

“Our state is at a crossroads now; you must right the wrongs and be hard on criminals,” he said.

The governor also urged the new chief judge to partner with other arms of government to develop the state.

Mr Abubakar, before his swearing-in, had been acting as the chief judge following the retirement of Justice Sulaiman Ambursa, who served for two years.

At the event, the governor also swore in Sadiq Usman-Mukhtar of the state Sharia Court of Appeal in a related development.

The governor also inaugurated the governing boards of some state-owned tertiary institutions.

The institutions include the University of Science and Technology, Aliero; College of Nursing Science, Birnin Kebbi; Adamu Augie College of Education; School of Health Technology, Jega; and College of Basic and Advanced Studies, Yauri.

Other agencies which also had their boards inaugurated were the Zakat Board, the Preaching Board, and Home Savings and Loans Limited. 

(NAN)