By
Fidelis Jockthan
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has officially inaugurated the Madagali Judicial Division of the High Court, fulfilling a long-standing demand for accessible justice in the state’s northeastern region.
The Governor, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Afraimu Jingi, declared the Division open during a ceremony attended by judicial officers, traditional rulers, and community members in Gulak.
In his address, Governor Fintiri commended the state judiciary under the leadership of Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman for demonstrating that judicial reform extends beyond fair processes and speedy dispensation to making courts accessible to all, including areas of difficulty.
“The good people of Madagali and Michika Local Government Areas have endured a long period of distance from an integral instrument of adjudication,” the Governor stated. “They have had to travel long distances to either Mubi or Yola Judicial Divisions to access justice in the High Court.”
The Governor noted that the situation was worsened by the burden of recuperation from the lifelong hardship imposed by insurgency activities in the region.
Governor Fintiri pledged the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens can access justice with speed and ease, stating that “no part of Adamawa State is too far away from the arm of justice.”
He directed the Ministry of Justice to urgently post State Counsel to the new division to ensure diligent prosecution of criminal matters and competent representation of the State and its agencies in civil matters.
“We shall equally make sure both the judicial officers and counsels posted to this Division are provided the necessary comfort to ease their settlement to work and deliver justice to our people,” he added.
The Governor emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, stating that the three arms of government in Adamawa State—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary—are now functioning with optimal autonomy.
“This Division is a product of such independence and we are collectively proud of it,” he declared.
Speaking as a “son of the soil,” Governor Fintiri assured the community of their traditional ruler’s readiness to play a good host and called on the people of Madagali and Michika to support the new division.
“From today, the story of this place has changed for good—more opportunities for employment as most of the staffing would be sourced locally and above all more justice for the people,” he said.
In her address, the Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman formally declared the High Court Gulak Division open for judicial functions and announced the appointment of Justice Christopher Dominic Mapeo as the Pioneer Presiding Judge of the Division.
She thanked the Governor for prioritizing justice to the people of Madagali and Gulak and charged the new presiding Judge to be guided by justice in ensuring that every voice is heard and every right is protected.
The Chief Judge noted that the court is the symbol and aspirations of the people of Madagali, stating that every citizen is free to seek redress and the dignity of every individual will be upheld.
The new presiding Judge, Justice Christopher Dominic Mapeo, thanked the Governor and Chief Judge for the takeoff of the Madagali Judicial Division and called for traditional rulers, citizens, and security agencies to support and cooperate with the Division.
The Paramount Ruler of Madagali Chiefdom, Ptill Madagali, Dr. Aliyu Danburam, expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and the entire Judiciary as citizens of the Chiefdom will now have access to justice.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Madagali Local Government Council, Yusuf Mohammed OC, emphasized the profound significance of the occasion, stating that the establishment of the court represents far more than the physical opening of a judicial facility—it symbolizes the government’s commitment to bringing justice closer to the people.
“This is a major milestone that will positively impact the lives of the people of Madagali,” Chairman Yusuf OC said in his closing remarks, expressing immense happiness and gratitude over the development.
The Chairman extended warm appreciation to Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening the justice system and ensuring that government institutions are accessible to all citizens.
He also lauded the efforts of the Chief Judge, Justice Hafsat Abdulrahman, for her exemplary leadership and determination in ensuring that the Madagali High Court Division became fully operational.
The establishment of the Madagali High Court Division is expected to significantly reduce the burden of traveling long distances to access judicial services, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the justice delivery system in the region.
The event gathered a spectrum of dignitaries including the Chief Registrar of High Court, Mohammed Buba Abubakar, Justices of the High Court, including Justice Abbas Adamu Hobon of Mubi Division who delivered welcome speech,Traditional rulers, Judges of the lower Courts, and security agencies.
The Governor formally declared the division open, expressing hope that the new court would “remain the pride of justice and the last line of defence for our people.”
