Justice Bashir-Aliyu sworn-in as Nasarawa State first female Chief Judge

Three months, and 12 days after serving in acting capacity, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu was sworn in on Tuesday, not only as substantive Chief Judge, but also the first female Chief Judge of Nasarawa State.

She succeeded Justice Suleiman Umaru Dikko who retired on December 31, 2020 having reached the mandatory retirement age of 65. Justice Bashir-Aliyu resumed office on January 1,2021 in acting capacity.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, performed the swearing- in ceremony today at the state capital, Lafia.

Her swearing-in is coming after her confirmation by the Nigeria Judicial Council and screening by the State House of Assembly.

Speaking on the appointment, Governor Sule asked the new Chief Judge to see her appointment as a litmus test, urging her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her onerous task.

“As a Chief Judge you must realise that this is a call to serve the people and in carrying out your duties, I urge you to let the fear of God and public interest take precedence over personal preferences and inclinations,” he said.

After administering the oath of office on the new Chief Judge, Governor Sule reiterated his administration’s resolve to provide the needed impetus to strengthen relationships among organs of government.

The governor said he will continue to support the judiciary towards the quick dispensation of justice, disclosing that the government has okayed the increase in subvention of the judiciary to allow for the implementation of the harmonization law, as well as enhance allowances of magistrates and judges of Area Courts.

He also appealed to members of the Judicial Staff Union currently on strike, to return to work in the interest of the people.