Rabiu Omaku
Nasarawa- State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Isaac Danladi, has commended his predecessor, who is the current Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Labaran Shuaibu Magaji for the remarkable reforms and achievements recorded during his tenure as Attorney General of the State from August 2023 to August 2024.
Barr. Danladi described Barr. Magaji’s tenure as transformative, noting that it was characterized by groundbreaking initiatives that strengthened the administration of justice, promoted peace, and enhanced the professional capacity of law officers in the State.
Capacity Building and Professional Development, for which an approval was secured for lawyers in the Ministry of Justice to embark on feasibility study visits to Lagos and Kano State Public Complaints & Anti-Corruption Commissions, towards establishing the Nasarawa State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.
He further explained that 50 magistrates were sponsored to attend the Nigeria Bar Association Barr.Isaac Danladi opined that another breakthrough includes Annual General Conference 2023 in Abuja.
Another remarkable feat was that lawyers participated in national stakeholders’ forums, workshops, and trainings organized by reputable institutions such as the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), and the High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth.
Law officers benefited from international training opportunities, including a counter-terrorism financing workshop in Malta, Southern Europe.
The Commissioner said in 2024, all lawyers in the ministry and across MDAs were sponsored to attend the NBA Annual General Conference in Lagos, tagged “Pressing Forward – A National Posture for Rebuilding Nigeria.”
“The Commonwealth Attorneys and Solicitors General Conference in Delhi, India also featured Nasarawa State, where Barr. Magaji ensured the participation of key law officers and Promotion of Rule of Law and Justice.
He said the ministry, under Barr. Magaji facilitated out-of-court settlements in critical disputes, such as between AIC Nigeria Limited and Nasarawa State.
“The Attorney General chaired the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, leading to the release of 24 convicts deserving of clemency.
Approvals were secured for the timely production and transmission of trial court records to appellate courts, strengthening judicial efficiency.
Support was extended to the Federal High Court’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and the NBA Lafia Branch Law Week, promoting synergy within the justice sector.
Peace and Conflict Resolution
Barr. Magaji also contributed significantly through his participation in high-powered committees, including:
The resolution of land disputes between Akiri and Wuse Chiefdoms in Awe LGA”.
Others are the resolution of Bassa/Egbira disputes in Toto LGA.
The committee on the creation of additional chiefdoms, districts, and villages, as well as resolving other chieftaincy and territorial disputes.
Gender Inclusion and Social Justice
Female lawyers of the Ministry were sponsored to the 17th Women ICT Summit in Abuja.
Members of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), both public and private, attended their 2023 Annual General Conference in Edo State with government sponsorship.
These initiatives, according to Barr. Danladi demonstrated Barr. Magaji’s commitment to gender equality, social inclusion, and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.
Legislative and Policy Achievements
During his tenure, Barr. Magaji PhD, spearheaded several executive orders, regulations, and laws, including:
Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 – Adoption of Framework for Responsible Investment in Land Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA).
Executive Order No. 4 of 2023 – Improvement of Efficiency and Effective Governance in Business Environment (NGREM).
Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 – Proscription of Ethnic Vigilante Groups.
