COMMENDABLE: Kwankwaso Appoints Christain Female Acting Chief Judge

Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has appointed a Christian woman, Justice Patricia Mahmoud, to the position of Acting Chief Judge of the state.

Justice Patricia Mahmoud

According to Sahara Reporters, she has replaced Justice Shehu Atiku, who retired from judicial service after attaining the mandatory 65 years of age.

Speaking during the occasion, the governor explained that the appointment was in compliance with section 271 subsection 4 of the constitution. This document states that the most senior judge acts as Chief Judge pending the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge.

Justice Patricia Mahmoud is now an Acting Chief Judge of Kano state. Photo: SaharaReporters

Kwankwaso thanked the outgoing chief judge for his commitment to duty. He also expressed his hope that the successor would sustain the spirit. Then he promised to continue to do more for the state judiciary in the interest of a more equitable society.

The retiring Chief Judge of the state in his turn described his successor as “incorruptible and hardworking,” adding that “she can competently discharge the responsibilities placed before her.”
Kwankwaso seized the moment to enumerate some of the big achievements recorded in the judicial sector under his administration. He mentioned the construction of 30 Shari’a courts, 26 magistrate courts, renovation of many other court complexes as well as pay rise of the judicial staff.

In order to have a clear image of the appointed Acting Chief Judge, read some essential facts from her biography:

Patricia Mahmoud, an Idoma from Benue state is an Honourable Judge of the Kano State High Court. She joined the state Ministry of Justice in 1983 and rose to become a Director of the Drafting and Research department. She was appointed to the bench in 1992. She takes an active part in the Association of Women Judges both in Nigeria and abroad. She has been the Kano State Coordinator for Women in Nigeria (WIN), a feminist organization for years.

Justice Mahmoud is married to Mr. A. B. Mahmoud. Her husband is a one-time Solicitor General and Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kano state.

It should be also mentioned that Patricia Mahmoud has faced discriminatory challenges in her career concerning state of origin. Her elevation to Court of Appeal was rejected because she is from Benue state. Therefore, her daughter, Zubaida Mahmoud wrote an emotional piece about social discrimination.

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