Lawal distributes official vehicles to Zamfara judges, clears N600m allowance backlog

Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has handed over new official operational vehicles to judicial officers across the state as part of efforts to enhance the administration of justice and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Speaking on Friday following the presentation ceremony, the Governor disclosed that the vehicle distribution reflects his administration’s commitment to fair and responsible governance aimed at creating a conducive working environment for judicial officers.

“This procurement reflects my commitment to fair and responsible governance, aimed at ensuring the independence of our dedicated judicial officers and the proper administration of justice,” Lawal said.

Governor Lawal revealed that his administration has cleared a backlog of statutory allowances owed to judicial officers for 2022 and 2023, expending over N600 million on payments covering accommodation, wardrobe, outfit, medical needs, and furniture benefits.

Highlighting infrastructure improvements within the state’s legal sector, Lawal stated that extensive remodeling, construction, and rehabilitation projects have been undertaken across various judicial facilities.

According to him, the interventions cover the State High Court, Magistrate Court Samaru, four Small Claims Courts, ten Sharia Courts across different local government areas, as well as the Unguwar Gwaza Higher Sharia Court, Higher Sharia Court Damba, and Federal High Courts 5 and 7.

He noted that approximately 90% of these judicial infrastructure projects have been completed.

The Governor charged the beneficiaries to see the official vehicles as tools of public service, urging them to continuously uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.