TWO YEARS OF EXCELLENCE: HON. JUSTICE HALIMA S. MOHAMMED’S UNPRECEDENTED AND PRAGMATIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE GOMBE STATE JUDICIARY

By Shamsuddeen Aminu

Head of ICT

Directorate of ICT and Media

Gombe State High Court

Two years ago, on February 16, 2023, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed was appointed and sworn in as substantive Chief Judge of Gombe State by His Excellency, Alhaji MuhammaduInuwa Yahaya, CON, Danmajen Gombe. Her appointment comes with joy, as many see her as a saviour to the Gombe State Judiciary. Having previously served in an acting capacity, her elevation to the highest judicial office in the state marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented and pragmatic reforms in the State’s Judiciary.

As she marks her second anniversary in office, it is only fitting to reflect on some of her numerous achievements, which have strengthened the State’s Judiciary, improved access to justice, and enhanced the efficiency of the judicial system in Gombe State.

Justice Mohammed’s achievements did not come to many as a surprise, knowing how she has consistently demonstrated commitment to judicial excellence, fairness, and the rule of law since her appointment as a High Court Judge in 2001. Her extensive experience on the bench, marked by reputation for integrity, laid the foundation for her remarkable achievements as the Chief Judge of Gombe State. Over the past two years, Mohammed has translated her wealth of judicial experience into transformative reforms, reinforcing the judiciary’s efficiency and accessibility.

For me, working with Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed has been an enriching and cordial experience. While some may perceive her as difficult to understand or relate with from a distance, those who work closely with her quickly realize that she is deeply principled, compassionate, and committed to fairness. Her leadership style is guided by clarity of purpose and a genuine desire to see the judiciary function optimally. She is approachable, receptive to constructive dialogue, and always willing to mentor those who seek her guidance. 

Over the past two years, the Hon. Chief Judge has shown pragmatic leadership and unprecedented achievements in Gombe State Judiciary. From the outset, she set a clear vision aimed at digitalizing the judicial systems, judicial reforms, policy implementation, and institutional strengthening as stated in her interview with journalist shortly after her swearing in. Through strategic initiatives and innovative policies, Justice Mohammed has not only upheld the integrity of the Gombe State Judiciary, but is also gradually achieving the set vision. This article explores some of the key achievements of Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed, Chief Judge, Gombe State as she marks two years in office.

One of the hallmarks of Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed’s leadership has been her commitment to judicial excellence. She has prioritized timely justice delivery, ensuring that cases are handled expeditiously and that unnecessary delays are minimized. Under her watch, the judiciary has experienced a significant reduction in case backlogs, allowing litigants to receive justice without prolonged waiting periods.

Recognizing the importance of a conducive working environment for the dispensation of justice, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed has overseen the renovation and upgrading of twenty four (24) courts across the state, with more in the pipeline. This has greatly improved the working conditions of staff, and at the same time providing an enhanced experience for court users.Additionally, the High Court Complex also got renovated.

The introduction of digital tools under her administration has revolutionized the judicial system in Gombe State. The establishment of a state-of-the-art ICT Center has facilitated the implementation of e-affidavit and e-process systems, reducing bureaucratic delays and enhancing efficiency. To ensure a smooth transition to a digitalized judiciary – a goal she consistently speak about, she has overseen the training of Magistrates, Area Court Judges, and 60 registry staffin digital case management and IT skills. These initiatives pave the way for the full automation of court processes, thereby modernizing justice delivery in the state.

Understanding that a strong judiciary depends on its human resources, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed prioritized capacity building for judicial officers and support staff. In the last twoyears, more than 100 staff members participated in professional training, both physically and virtually, to enhance their competence in judicial and administrative processes. The Chief Judgehas also worked tirelessly to ensure that judicial officers and staff receive the necessary financial and logistical support to enable them to carry out their responsibilities efficiently. Her advocacy for improved remuneration and working conditions has contributed to greater morale and productivity within the judiciary.

One of the remarkable achievements of the Hon. Chief Judge during these two years in office is the establishment of the Gombe State Small Claims Court. This initiative reflects her determination to enhancing access to justice by providing a simplified, cost-effective, and speedy resolution mechanism for small commercial disputes. The Small Claims Court is designed to ease the burden on regular courts, ensuring that individuals and businesses, particularly small-scale traders and entrepreneurs, can resolve disputes efficiently without unnecessary delays. By spearheading this reform, Justice Halima S. Mohammed has not only strengthened the justice delivery system in the state but has also reinforced public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to serve as a vehicle for socio-economic development.

As part of her visionary reforms in the Gombe State Judiciary, the Honourable Chief Judge has overseen the establishment of new directorates within the High Court, further enhancing the efficiency and administrative structure of the judiciary. These include the Directorate of Protocol, ensuring proper coordination of official engagements; the Directorate of Appeals, streamlining appellate processes; the Directorate of ICT and Media, leveraging technology for improved case management and public engagement; and the Directorate of Library, strengthening legal research and resource accessibility. Additionally, in a strategic restructuring move, the former Directorate of Litigation has been split into the Directorate of Process and the Directorate of Litigation, creating a more specialized and effective framework for handling case filings and proceedings. 

Throughout her two years in office, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed has upheld the independence of the judiciary while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the executive and legislative arms of government. She has consistently emphasized the need for an impartial and autonomous judiciary that upholds the rule of law while working in harmony with other arms of government to promote justice and good governance in Gombe State.

Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed has played a pivotal role in enhancing the administration of criminal justice in Gombe State. She has spearheaded initiatives aimed at reducing prison congestion, including regular jail delivery exercises that have led to the release of inmates who have served their terms or were unjustly detained. These efforts have helped decongest correctional facilities and promote fair and speedy trials.

As she marks two years in office, Hon. Justice Halima S. Mohammed’s tenure as Chief Judge of Gombe State stands as a beacon of transformation and progress. Her leadership has not only improved the efficiency and integrity of the judiciary but has also reinforced public confidence in the judicial system.

Her pragmatic approach and visionary leadership will continue to shape the judiciary in Gombe State, ensuring that it remains a pillar of fairness, equity, and rule of law.

As you step in to the third year of your stewardship, may we witness more progress and achievements within the Gombe State Judiciary.