Nasarawa: Magistrates Protest Punitive Transfer, Calls For Reversal

By Ayodele Oni

Magistrates in Nasarawa state are set for war over what they described as interference in their duties by the state government.

The Magistrates Association of Nigeria (M.A.N) State Branch expressed its displeasure with the punitive transfer of a Magistrate, Aisha Abdullahi.

Abdullahi was reported to have  issued a bench warrant against the state commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Idris Mohammed.

This was contained in a statement in Lafia, after an emergency meeting of the association.

The statement which was signed by Mairiga Abdullahi, and Emmanuel  Gabi, the Chairman and Secretary states  “Sequel to the recent development in the judiciary particularly with regards to the Magistracy, the entire Magistrates and it executive frown at the recent transfer of one of its members (Aisha Abdullahi) whilst a subsisting bench warrant was issued against a Defendant.”

According to the statement, “the Magistracy and its executive are aware that transfer is a routine exercise in the judiciary, however, it notes that in this case, it has the tendency of dampening the morale of the judiciary.

“The recent transfer of Aisha Abdullahi is capable of dampening the morale of Magistrates and litigants when handling high profile matters.”

“The Magistrates are calling on the authorities to, in the interest of fair hearing, Justice, and harmonious co-existence, reconsider and reverse the recent posting of Aisha Abdullahi.

“Doing so will restore the confidence of Magistrates, litigants and the image of the judiciary at large.”