The petitioners challenged her appointment on the grounds that she is not the most senior counsel to be appointed as Chief Judge. They alleged that she is not an indigene of the state and is also a relative of Governor Abubakar. But speaking withour reporter, the Senior Special Assistant to the Bauchi State Governor on Media, Sabo Mohammed, dismissed the petitions as he described them as baseless. He said the Bauchi State House of Assembly had cleared her, hence her appointment as substantive Chief Judge. Governor Abubakar, in a speech during the swearing-in of Justice Umar at the Multi-purpose Indoor Sports Hall, Bauchi, on Thursday, said her appointment was in pursuit of Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. [caption id="attachment_19147" align="alignnone" width="319"]Justice Rabi Talatu Umar Justice Rabi Talatu Umar[/caption] He said she had proven, over the years, to be an incorruptible legal practitioner. Abubakar stated, “The officer I have sworn in today has, over the years, proven to be an upright, impartial and incorruptible adjudicator and has distinguished herself as a seasoned legal officer by the way she has been handling her official assignment. “I am therefore confident that she will bring all these qualities into play in the discharge of her duties as the state Chief Judge.” The governor charged her to live above board as a lot was being expected from her, especially at this critical period of the nation’s history. He urged her to initiate a number of reforms aimed at improving the legal system in the state in order to be in tune with the change mantra disposition of the present administration. He called on other members of the bench to give the new Chief Judge the necessary cooperation to discharge her duties effectively. “I want to remind members of the bench of their status as impartial arbiters, who must not only dispense justice but must be seen to be dispensing justice without fear or favour. “As the last resort of the common man, they must live above board and give good account of themselves to, not only the people but also to God Almighty, who will surely judge them in the hereafter.” Abubakar also called on the judiciary to continue to sustain and consolidate the rule of law without compromising their independence. He promised that his administration would give them the necessary support they need to dispense justice.]]>