In a move lauded for its potential to reshape the judiciary, Jigawa State in Nigeria recently swore in a 34-year-old woman, Nilfa Gambo, as a High Court judge. This appointment marks a significant step towards a younger and potentially more agile judicial system in the state.
The swearing-in ceremony, held on Monday at the Government House Council Chambers, saw Ms. Gambo join Muhammad Usman as the newest additions to the Jigawa State High Court bench. Governor Umar Namadi, presiding over the ceremony, emphasized that all appointments were based on merit, with the new judges having excelled during the selection process. He further revealed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had commended Jigawa for having the most impressive judge selection procedure in the country.
This isn’t the first time Jigawa has made headlines for its approach to judicial appointments. In a previous instance, the appointment of Justice Auwal Ya’u, another relatively young appointee, was met with similar praise. Commentators like Mr. Bukarti, quoted in the Premium Times article, suggest that this trend of appointing younger judges will have a profound impact on the state’s judiciary, injecting “fresh, agile blood” into the system.
The appointment of Ms. Gambo holds particular significance. At just 34 years old, she is not only one of the youngest high court judges in Nigeria, but also one of a very few female judges in the country. This not only brings a new perspective to the bench but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring young women in the legal field.
Jigawa’s progressive approach to judicial appointments is a noteworthy development in Nigeria’s legal landscape. By prioritizing merit and embracing a younger generation of legal minds, the state is paving the way for a potentially more efficient and dynamic judicial system. The appointment of Ms. Gambo, in particular, is a testament to Jigawa’s commitment to both youthful talent and gender equality within the legal sphere.
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Premium times https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/nwest/702777-jigawa-governor-swears-in-34-year-old-as-high-court-judge.html
