From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has launched a two-day capacity building program aimed at enhancing the skills of appellate judges, magistrates, and other officials in the Small Claims Court. According to the Governor, the training is to equip the officials with knowledge on justice dispensation and speed up the process of resolving small claims disputes within the business community in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off of the training which was organised by the State High Court of Justice in collaboration with the State Ministry of Finance and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, he also revealed that the is in line with the state government’s efforts to sustain the number one ranking of the state in ease of doing business in the country.
According to him, the program is a move towards improving the justice system in Gombe State, as it seeks to address the challenges faced by court officials in resolving small claims disputes. He explained that by equipping the officials with the necessary knowledge and skills, the program will help to shorten the length of time it takes to resolve disputes, reduce case backlog, and improve access to justice for all.
He said, “Accordingly, this Capacity Building Workshop on Small Court Practice Direction is just one of the numerous segments in the very long and complex activities to ensure that Ease of Doing Business is attained, enhanced, improved upon to better our performance to take us to perfection.”
Also speaking, the Chief Judge (CJ) of Gombe, Justice Halima Sadiya Mohammed, described the training as part of a journey to revitalise and revamp the justice system in the state. “so far our traders have expressed their joy with the establishment of the claims court because it has been a good omen for those doing business. Small Claims Court serves as the gateway to justice for individuals who seek resolution to their dispute. This training marks the beginning of a new era in our small claims court system,” the CJ said while urging the participants to pay attention to the training and to be champions of Justice for all.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of PEBEC, Mrs Aimeya Okpebholo, commended the state government for organising the training and the efforts to ensure the smooth operation of businesses in the state. She assured that the PEBEC will continue to collaborate with states government to drive development and growth across the country.