Date: 2009-07-23

Kwara State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki has restated the commitment of his administration to promoting good governance by recognizing due process and respect for the rule of law to achieve an enduring democratic practice in the country.  

Dr Saraki made the commitment on Wednesday while inaugurating members of the newly re-constituted Judicial Service Commission at Government House, Ilorin.  

He described Judicial Service Commission as the foundation on which the judiciary is built and charged members of the Commission to be objective, dedicated and impartial in the discharge of their constitutional duties.  

Democracy he said, rests squarely on the Rule of Law, pointing out that because of its significance, it forms part of the 7-point agenda of President Umaru Yar’Adua.  

Speaking on the rules of the Commission is expected to play, Saraki explained that it is responsible for the affairs relating to all judicial officers to the State and staff of the judiciary department.  

“In respect of Judicial Officers, the Commission is responsible for advising the National Judicial Council on the suitability of persons for nomination of Judicial officers in the State”, adding; “Similarly on the part of the judiciary staff, the Judicial Service Commission is responsible for the appointment, promotion, discipline and dismissal of judiciary staff as specified in the appropriate schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the governor said.  

Dr Saraki, who also advised members of the Commission to be forthright and diligent in the delivery of judicial service to the people of the State, noted that it is by so doing that the hope of the common man and the rule of law can be sustained and strengthened.  

Members who were inaugurated by Dr Saraki are Alhaji Safi Jimba, Alh. Sambo Haliru, Barr. Abdulwahab Bamidele and Alh. Adama Adebayo Sidiq.  

Earlier in his brief remark, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Alh. Saka Isau (SAN) said Dr Saraki in the exercise of his power in accordance with sections 179 sub-section (i) (c) and 198 of the 1999 constitution, appointed new members following the death or expiration of the tenure of old members of the Commission.  

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Alhaji Safi Jimba thanked Governor Saraki for the honour done them and pledged their absolute loyalty and dedication to duty.   

Mas’ud Adebimpe

Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

23/07/09