By Stephen Ojo
The Niger State government has invested inaugurated the High Court complex in Lapai town at the cost of N83.3m through direct labour.
The Chief Judge of Niger state Justice Halima Ibrahim Abdulmalik said the High Court building was initially awarded at the contract sum of N100m before her administration opted for direct labour which reduced the cost to N83.3m thereby saving lot of money.
The Chief Judge said, “The innovative approach of utilizing direct labor not only ensured that we created jobs within our community but it also instilled a sense of ownership and pride among our local workforce
towards a stronger, more just, and more equitable judiciary”.
According to her, ” the construction of this court is more than the expansion of our judicial infrastructure.It symbolizes our commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of every person in our community”.
She explained that a functional and accessible judiciary is essential in the promotion of peace, order and stability in our nation, adding that “I have no doubt that this court will serve as a guardian of justice”.
“It is a testament to our collective belief in the rule of law. It is
a beacon of hope, and a platform where the voices of the oppressed will be heard. Let us remember that the law is not merely a set of rules, but a framework for ensuring fairness, accountability and equity”, she said.
Inaugurating the high court complex, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago lauded the judiciary for its dedication to upholding justice, fairness and accountability
Represented by his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, the Governor commended the leadership style of the chief judge which he said has elevated the judiciary’s reputation making it a model for others.
He said, ” I commend the judiciary for its impartiality and strength in instilling public confidence in the system and providing a sense of security to all”.