Kwara State Governor Abdul­rahman Abdulrazaq on Tues­day pledged continuous support for the judicial arm of govern­ment, including in the area of infrastructure development and welfare.

The Governor said rehabil­itation of courtrooms, among other efforts of the administra­tion, will continue within bud­getary limits in the New Year.

“Our administration will continue to partner with the ju­diciary to sustain the rule of law, public order, and safety. Along with some other supports that ease the dispensation of justice, I assure you that infrastructural development in the justice sec­tor, including rehabilitation of courtrooms that we have start­ed, will continue within budget­ary allowances in the new year,” AbdulRazaq said in a remark at a ceremony heralding the 2024 Legal Year of Kwara State.

“On this day and always, we value your partnership and the alliances that continue to sustain law and order as we mobilise resources for sustain­able development and improved wellbeing of the people.”

AbdulRazaq commended the judiciary for remaining steadfast and resolute in the dispensation of justice, con­gratulating all branches of the State Judiciary on the com­mencement of another legal year 2023/2024 and saying the event means a lot to the legal community as it does for the rest of our society.

“Without prejudice to the fact that every system is a work in progress, your commitment has helped to strengthen public confidence in the court and re­inforce the ideal of the courts as the last hope of the common man. This has profound con­sequences for law and order, and public safety,” AbdulRazaq added.

Attorney General and Com­missioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulayman, said the administration is committed at all times to the rule of law, which he said is fundamental to justice.

Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, ap­plauded AbdulRazaq for his investment in court infrastruc­ture, welfare of judicial staff as well as strengthening of its manpower to achieve a smooth­er, quicker and more efficient administration of justice.

Justice Adebara added: “Soon after his assumption of duty as Governor of Kwara State, he appointed five new High Court Judges in 2020. In the year 2023, he had equally given his approval for the ap­pointment of six additional High Court Judges in the state. This represents the highest so far at a time in the state. The appointment exercise is ongo­ing before the National Judicial Council, and I believe that our judicial-friendly Governor will do all that is necessary for the complete actualization of this appointment.

“When this is done, for the first time in the history of the state, it will bring the number of High Court Judges in the state to an all-time high num­ber of 24.