Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Monday administered the oath of office to three newly appointed judges of the Katsina State High Court, charging them to uphold justice with integrity, fairness, and accountability to the people they serve.
The new appointees are Barrister Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Barrister Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, and Barrister Abubakar Muhammad Dikko. The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Government House in Katsina, drew dignitaries from the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, as well as traditional rulers, senior lawyers, and family members of the judges.
Governor Radda described the event as “a remarkable milestone in the state’s judicial history,” emphasizing that the appointment of the new judges would strengthen the judiciary and improve justice delivery across Katsina State. He commended the State Judicial Service Commission for conducting a transparent and merit-based selection process that ensured only the most qualified candidates were appointed.
“Today, we are swearing in three new Judges of the Katsina State High Court. This is a significant step forward for our judiciary because it increases our capacity and strengthens the administration of justice in our state,” the Governor said.
He congratulated the new judges and prayed that Almighty Allah would grant them wisdom, sound judgment, and divine guidance in carrying out their duties. “First of all, I congratulate you and wish you God’s guidance in performing your responsibilities. This oath of office and act of allegiance are enough for all of us in the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to reflect deeply on the responsibilities we bear,” he added.
Governor Radda also urged the judges to regularly revisit their oath of office as a moral reminder of the sacred trust they hold before God and the people of Katsina State. “After some time, maybe a month, I advise that we all go back and read this oath again. It will remind us that whatever we do, God is watching and aware of all our actions,” he said.
He further emphasized the judiciary’s critical role as the last hope of the common man, especially for the poor and voiceless. “Everyone looks up to you for justice, both those who have a voice and those who do not. Especially those who do not. I believe your position will guide you to the right path if you perform your duties with diligence and sincerity,” Radda stated.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary and legislature, ensuring continued harmony and collaboration among the three arms of government. “We will continue to give full support to the judiciary and the legislature so that we can maintain harmony among the three arms of government. There is nothing we can achieve as a state without a strong and effective judicial system. The judiciary remains the backbone of peace, order, and justice in our society,” he affirmed.
Radda also stressed the importance of timely justice delivery, cautioning that delays in judgment could undermine public trust. “As they say, time waits for no one. It is important that we dispense justice promptly and fairly so that we can build the kind of society we all aspire to, one anchored on justice, peace, and unity,” he said.
The newly appointed judges bring a wealth of academic and professional experience to the Katsina State judiciary. Justice Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, an accomplished legal scholar, holds degrees from the University of Abuja and the United Kingdom. She has previously served as State Solicitor, Head of the Notary Public Unit at the Supreme Court, and Deputy Director at the National Judicial Institute.
Justice Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with two Master’s degrees, including one in Oil and Gas Law from the UK, has served in academia, the National Judicial Institute, and the National Assembly.
Justice Abubakar Muhammad Dikko, a seasoned legal practitioner, boasts over two decades of service at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where he rose to the rank of Head of Litigation. He is a graduate of the University of Abuja with a Master’s degree in Law and previously served as Research Assistant to a former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
What You Should Know
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State swore in three new High Court judges, Maryam Umaru Abdullahi, Shamsuddeen Abdurrahman Ƴammama, and Abubakar Muhammad Dikko, urging them to uphold integrity, fairness, and timely justice.
He reaffirmed his administration’s support for the judiciary as a pillar of peace, order, and the rule of law in Katsina State.
