The Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of Taraba State, Yakubu Maikasuwa (SAN), has disclosed that the Ministry received one hundred and forty-nine various criminal cases in the state from the State Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and other authorities for legal advice.
The Commissioner, represented by the Acting Solicitor General/Permanent Secretary, Barrister Sunday Ibrahim Maikarfi, made the disclosure during the Budget defence at the Taraba State House of Assembly, Jalingo.
“Out of these, one hundred and thirty were disposed of, while nineteen are pending.
“Sixty eight convicted for various offences.”
He said that the Ministry has sixty-two pending civil cases across the courts, while it received, drafted, and vetted twenty-four Contract agreements from MDA.
“Two percent contract processing fee for the agreements was dedicated to sources and remitted directly to the Ministry of Finance.
According to him, the Ministry has a staff strength of one hundred and twenty-six, including control staff.
He appreciated the Members for approving the sum of N723,787,742.38 for the construction of befitting office accommodation for staff.
“We happily inform the committee that construction is ongoing and has reached an advanced stage.
He listed out some of the needs of the Ministry to include, Law Books or Reports to cost the sum of N25,000,000.00, adding that if the said amount is released, it will a long way to further research for law officers.
“In order to decongest our Courts, there is need for Multi-Door Court to assist in settling disputes amicably. It is cheap, easy, and promotes cordial relationships between the parties.
He gave the estimated budget for the settlement of judgement at N200,000,000.00, describing it as inadequate.
“There are pending cases judgement debts to the tune of N3,959,240,149.69, we therefore solicit for upward review to N3,959,240,149.69.
He disclosed that the Ministry has been facing difficulties in securing attendance of witnesses in Court, thereby necessitating the need for a witness support fund.
“The witness support fund will assist in that direction, to take care of their transportation, duty traveling allowances and feeding while summoned to testify in criminal and civil cases.
