Bagudu swears-in Ambursa as Chief Judge of Kebbi

Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State on Thursday sworn-in Justice Suleiman Ambursa as Chief Judge of the state, after serving in acting capacity following the compulsory retirement of Justice Asabe Karatu in 2019.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that the governor refused to swear-in Justice Karatu even as the State House of Assembly had confirmed her On January 17, 2019.

DAILY NIGERIAN reports that Mrs Karatu had written a petition to the National Judicial Council over the governor’s refusal to confirm her as substantive chief judge of the state.

In the petition, Mrs Karatu alleged that the governor’s refusal was based politics of religion and her firm belief in justice and fairness.

Angered by the petition, the governor on June 14, 2019, sacked Mrs Karatu and appointed Mr Ambursa as acting Chief Judge allegedly without a recommendation from the National Judicial Council, NJC, in the state.

On Thursday, during the swearing-in ceremony in Birnin-Kebbi, the governor described the new chief judge as an illustrious son of the state, adding that the state was proud of his achievements and records in the judiciary.

READ ALSO:Kebbi’s female Acting Chief Judge petitions NJC over Gov. Bagudu’s refusal to confirm her for “being Christian”

“The appointment of Ambursa followed a recommendation by the state Judicial Council and National Judicial Commission of Nigeria (NJC) which are all independent entities from the state government,’’ he said.

Mr Bagudu urged the new CJ to ensure proper things were done in the Judiciary.

“Our state is at the crossroad now, you must right the wrongs, and must be hard on criminals,’’ he said.

The governor also urged him to partner with other arms of government for the development of the state.

In a related development, Khadi Bello Jega, of the state Sharia Court of Appeal was also sworn-in by Governor Bagudu at the event held in Birnin Kebbi.