Barrister Abdulkarim Maude, the newly appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kano State, has pledged to enforce strict discipline among state legal practitioners and implement reforms aimed at justice-system/” title=”Zulum Commits to Transforming … System with Bold Legal Reforms”>accelerating justice delivery and alleviating prison overcrowding.
During his inaugural press conference held at the ministry’s secretariat, Maude expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Yusuf for the appointment and committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law in managing the state’s legal matters.
The commissioner emphasized that his tenure would mark an end to complacency among government lawyers, particularly those who habitually arrive late or fail to appear in court, highlighting that such behavior severely hampers the administration of justice.
“We have been informed that some Ministry of Justice lawyers are either tardy or absent from court proceedings. With God’s grace, we will implement stringent measures to rectify these issues. Delays in justice equate to denial of justice, and we refuse to let indiscipline erode the justice system in Kano State,” Maude asserted.
He outlined a strategic four-point plan for the ministry, focusing on institutional restructuring, enhancing prosecution efficiency, promoting ethical governance, and expanding access to justice for all citizens.
Addressing the challenge of prison overcrowding, the Attorney-General revealed intentions to encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, community service programs, and prompt legal counsel to decrease the population of detainees awaiting trial.
“Our goal is to foster a compassionate justice framework that prioritizes the rehabilitation of minor offenders without resorting to unnecessary imprisonment,” he explained.
Maude also committed to fostering stronger partnerships with the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and civil society groups to improve justice administration and build public confidence.
He reiterated the ministry’s dedication to offering sound legal advice to the executive branch in strict compliance with constitutional mandates, assuring that all legal opinions and representations will be conducted “with professionalism, fairness, and respect for natural justice and due process.”
