Former President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) AB Mahmoud, Senior has advocated restructuring of institutions in the administration of justice system, essentially to devote powers to state government.
AB Mahmoud, senior advocate of Nigeria, who believed the concentration of judicial powers, “where all matters of interest are anchored in Abuja” is not justifiable in a complex system the country operates.
“There is need for restructuring of institutions to devote powers to state government. The Federal government can handle issues of terrorism, and other external burden. But there is no reason or justification where all matters of investigation are anchored from Abuja.
“If there is break down of law and order in a state, the government of that state should be allowed and held responsible to manage, because the Governor is elected by the people of the state”. AB Mahmoud said.
Mahmoud spoke while delivering papers on Challenges of Effective Administration of Criminal Justice System at a three day capacity building workshop for prosecutors in Kano, raised concerns on critical impediments in the administration of criminal justice system in Kano.
The senior lawyer cited the roles of security agencies entrusted with investigative powers, prosecutors and the court, held that only a symbiotic collaboration between the institutions can guarantee effectively administration of justice system in the country.
He however regretted the overbearing influence of police who are primarily entrusted to conduct case investigation and now taking over prosecution powers from the Ministry of Justice due to power overload at the central government. Mahmoud urged the police to rather focus energy on investigative skill through of forensic capacity building.
Besides, the senior lawyer challenged the prosecutors to remain firm on the bricks of ethics standard and professionalism while striving to rise above selfish interest of politicians in public prosecution.
Earlier,Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Umar Faruq Ibrahim reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.
Governor Yusuf who declared the workshop open, described the capacity building sessions as “another significant step in our collective resolve and commitment to entrench an effective criminal justice administration process in our dear state.”
He emphasized the vital role of prosecutors in upholding justice, stating, “You are not just case managers, but guardians of fairness and protectors of public trust. Your work has a direct impact on how justice is delivered and how society functions.”
Governor Yusuf noted that the training was timely, aiming to sharpen the skills of prosecutors, deepen their knowledge, and equip them with modern tools and ethical frameworks aligned with global best practices. He commended the organizers Kurawa, Husseini & associates in collaboration with Kano state ministry of Justice for their initiative.
On his part, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, highlighted the importance of capacity building for prosecutors in ensuring efficiency and accountability in the justice sector.
