By Peter Onyekachukwu 
……As State government distributes 16 brand-new SUVs worth over N2bn to High Court Judges and Khadis in first major welfare upgrade in a decade.
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Gombe
For the first time in more than 10 years, the Gombe State Government has handed over 16 brand-new SUVs valued at over N2 billion to judges of the High Court and khadis of the Shari’a Court of Appeal to enhance judicial mobility and efficiency.
The vehicles include two 2025 model Toyota SUVs for the Chief Judge and the Grand Khadi, while 14 other judicial officers received 2025 model GAC SUVs.
Presenting the vehicles, Deputy Governor Dr Mannasah Daniel Jatau said the gesture aligns with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to strengthening all arms of government and building an efficient and independent justice system.
“These vehicles are brand-new 2025 models, and I urge the beneficiaries to use them strictly for official duties,” Dr Jatau said.
He added that the administration has been addressing longstanding challenges across sectors, including clearing inherited gratuity arrears and prioritising prompt salary payment for workers.
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, disclosed that the vehicles were procured at a cost exceeding N2 billion, making it the first full fleet replacement for judicial officers in over a decade.
“This is happening for the first time in more than 10 years and it represents a major boost to judicial autonomy,” Magaji explained.
Also speaking, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, described the distribution as a fulfilment of a long-standing welfare commitment to judicial officers.
He referenced the ongoing construction of the over N16 billion ultra-modern High Court complex as further evidence of the administration’s investment in justice sector reforms.
“Some officers have gone over 12 years without vehicle replacement despite a four-year renewal cycle,” Umar stated.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Barr. Bello Shariff, thanked the governor for his sustained support and assured that the vehicles would be used responsibly to improve service delivery across the state.
“This long-awaited provision will greatly enhance justice delivery across the state,” he assured.