The Kwara state government has expressed its resolve to jealously guard the principle of independence of the judiciary.

The state Deputy Governor, Peter Kisira gave the assurance on Monday in Ilorin while speaking at the commencement of a new legal year of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal.

“The state government had undertaken to expand the present complex of the state High Court of Justice, to create more court rooms and chambers for judges,” Kisira said.

Strengthening judiciary 
He said the efforts were targeted at strengthening the judiciary to continue to perform its functions effectively and efficiently.

Kisira congratulated the outgoing Grand Kadhi, Justice Idris Haroon who according to him had served the state judiciary creditably and meritoriously.

In his speech at the session, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kamaldeen Ajibade placed on record that the state government under Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, would spare no effort at improving on the welfare of judicial officers and their supporting staff.

The commissioner advises them to redouble efforts at discharging their sacred and religious duties with utmost fairness, equity and justice.

‘Performing well’
The chairman, Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Mobolaji Ojibara expressed delight of the Bar, at the leadership of the Shariah Court under the retiring Justice Haroon, which according to him had performed admirably well.
                                
Barrister Ojibara commended the court at preserving the legacies of the succeeding leaders and expressed gratitude for supporting the activities of the bar during the period under review.

While delivering his valedictory speech, the retiring Grand Kadhi, Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon said during his leadership, they imparted and shared knowledge through publication, preaching and sermons.

Justice Haroon stressed that as judges, they were charged by God to shoulder the responsibility of the administration of justice between individuals, the common man and the highly placed in the society and called for the fear of God in the discharge of their duties.

He commended Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed in his quest to strengthen manpower for smooth, quick and efficient administration of justice.

The session attracted eminent jurists from within and outside the state, retired Chief Judges and Grand Kadhis, the traditional Institution, including the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, Oba AbdulRafiu Oyelaran Ajiboye and the Olojoku of Ojokuland, Oba AbdulRAsaq Afolabi.

The Acting Grand Khadi of the State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice S.O Mohammed, will be sworn-in on Tuesday by the Deputy Governor, Peter Kisira.

A statement from the office of Registrar of the Court, said court session would follow immediately.