RismadarVoice Reporters
January 19, 2026
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Monday administered the oath of office to Kadi Tijanni J. Zololo as the Acting Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Jos.
The ceremony took place at the Rayfield New Government House, Jos, where the Governor described the occasion as a significant milestone in his administration’s sustained efforts to strengthen the state’s judiciary.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment towards building a robust, independent, and efficient justice system.
“Today marks an important milestone in positioning the judiciary in performing its functions and duties as optimally as envisioned by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Governor said.
He underscored the constitutional recognition of the Sharia Court system, stressing that it was the responsibility of government to ensure the court was adequately positioned towards discharging its mandate.
“It is our duty, responsibility to ensure this arm of the judiciary is properly positioned,” he stated.
Emphasizing that justice must be anchored on truth; Mutfwang described truth as the bedrock of fair adjudication.
“Justice is always a challenge to dispense, but one guiding principle is to stand on the truth. When truth becomes our cardinal objective, it becomes our guiding compass,” he remarked.
The Governor highlighted the critical role of the Sharia Court in issues relating to family life, inheritance, and asset distribution within the Islamic faith, while cautioning judicial officers against allowing personal interests interfere with the course of justice.
Addressing the Acting Grand Kadi, Mutfwang reminded him of the solemn responsibility imposed by the oath of office.
“Your oath places on you the responsibility to discharge your duties with honesty and integrity. Every judicial officer who upholds these principles ensures that the court fulfills the mandate for which it was established,” he said.
Speaking on ongoing judicial reforms, the Governor disclosed that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had recently recommended six judges for appointment to the Plateau State High Court.
“We look forward to filling existing gaps, reducing the heavy workload on our judges. Our judges are truly overstretched, we must transit from longhand writing of judgments to modern, technology-driven processes,” he noted.
He pledged to work closely with the Chief Judge and the Attorney-General to reposition the state’s judiciary to meet 21st-century demands through digital innovation, institutional reforms.
Governor Mutfwang also revealed progress towards establishing the Plateau State Law Reform Commission, noting that much of the state’s legislation was outdated.
“Most of our legislation is 40 to 50 years old, and there is an urgent need to align it with contemporary realities. By the grace of God, we are committed to achieving this,” he said, while also expressing appreciation to retired judges for their years
of dedicated service.
In his response, the Acting Grand Kadi, Kadi Tijanni J. Zololo, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Mutfwang for the confidence reposed in him.
“Glory be to God who has made this day possible, and I sincerely thank the Executive Governor for this honour,” he said.
Zololo also acknowledged the judiciary for facilitating the appointment process and appreciated the support he received following the demise of the former Acting Grand Kadi.
