The Kwara State government has showcased its commitment to enhancing the welfare of judges serving at the state High Court by presenting them with a fleet of high-end vehicles.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq led the charge by personally handing over 12 top-of-the-line Toyota Fortuner Jeeps to the esteemed judges.
Furthermore, the Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, received a distinguished 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser for the use of his office, a testament to the administration’s dedication to ensuring the comfort and efficiency of the judiciary in their service to both the state and the nation.
During the official vehicle presentation ceremony held at the State High Court in Ilorin, Chief Judge Justice Abiodun Adebara revealed that earlier in February, five judges had been allocated Toyota Fortuner Jeeps from funds earmarked in the 2023 budget.
Building on this initiative, an additional five judges were granted brand-new Toyota Fortuner Jeeps from the 2024 budget allocation.
In a notable gesture, Governor Abdulrazaq further released seven Toyota vehicles to the judiciary on the day of the ceremony.
Among these, six were designated for upcoming appointments of new judges, as mandated by the National Judicial Council (NJC), with the seventh vehicle allocated for the Chief Judge’s office.
Emphasizing the significance of these acquisitions, Chief Judge Justice Adebara underscored that the provision of new vehicles was a prerequisite for the appointment of new judges, as per NJC guidelines.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Abdulrazaq for his unwavering support towards the judiciary, noting the prompt approval and release of funds for the procurement of vehicles outlined in the 2024 budget.
“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq CON, who has been so friendly to the judiciary of Kwara State. He has been treating our requests with despatch in positive ways.”
“What we are witnessing today is another positive impact of his administration on the money allocated to the judiciary in the 2024 budget under vehicle procurement. He promptly approved it. The money was released to the judiciary,” Justice Adebara explained.”
Reflecting on the historical context, Justice Adebara acknowledged the substantial gap since the last provision of vehicles for judges by the government, which occurred eight years prior.
He highlighted the importance of these new acquisitions in enhancing the efficiency and dignity of the judiciary, particularly considering the varied locations of judges across the state.
The Chief Judge praised Governor Abdulrazaq for prioritizing this essential need amidst competing demands within the state.
“I give glory to God, and I appreciate the amiable governor of the state for prioritising this important need of the judiciary among other competing needs in the state.”
In closing, Justice Adebara extended his appreciation to the governor for his continued support, expressing optimism that the remaining judges awaiting vehicle allocations would soon receive theirs.
“We are very grateful. We still have some judges who are yet to have their vehicles. I believe very soon we’ll have our own,” he said
