In a historic moment for Adamawa State, Governor Umaru Fintiri administered the oath of office to Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, making her the first female Chief Judge in the state. The swearing-in ceremony, attended by dignitaries, took place on Monday at the Government House in Yola.

Alongside Chief Judge Abdulrahman, Governor Fintiri also swore in two other judges: Justice Ibrahim Sudi as the Grand Khadi and Audu Balami as the President of the Customary Court of Appeal. The governor hailed the occasion as a significant milestone in the state’s history.

Governor Fintiri expressed his admiration for Chief Judge Abdulrahman, describing her as a highly accomplished and respected judge with a remarkable track record and numerous notable judgments to her credit. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he wrote, “We are making history as a government by having the first female Chief Judge in the history of the State. Her emergence is, therefore, a watershed development in gender mainstreaming and a testament that the girl-child is at liberty to rise and become anything with merit, devoid of any man-made barriers in Adamawa State.”

He further emphasized the importance of the judiciary preserving its integrity. Governor Fintiri raised concerns about individuals who violate the law and then manipulate the course of justice, thereby denying justice to the aggrieved parties and tarnishing the image of the judiciary as the last hope for the common man. He asserted that the judiciary must remain independent and steadfast in upholding the rule of law, stating, “Under no circumstances shall you falter the integrity of the justice system, and the independence of the judiciary can never be compromised under any circumstances.”

Governor Fintiri reasserted his government’s commitment to providing purposeful leadership and ensuring the independence of other government organs. He expressed confidence in Justice Abdulrahman’s ability to deliver justice impartially and called on parents to view her as a role model for their daughters, emphasizing the values of merit, truth, hard work, dedication, fairness, and justice.