The Taraba State Judiciary Commission (TSJC) has concluded a significant personnel review, implementing sweeping reforms that will reshape the state’s judicial workforce. In a decisive move, the Commission, chaired by the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has approved the promotion of 535 judiciary officers, confirmed several high-level appointments, and taken disciplinary action against two officers. This comprehensive exercise, ratified at the Commission’s 125th meeting in Jalingo, underscores a commitment to merit-based advancement and institutional accountability.
The Secretary to the Commission, Hajia Talatu Abubakar, announced the decisions in a statement released on Sunday, December 21, 2025. The scale of the promotions—affecting over five hundred staff—signals a major investment in career progression and morale within the state’s court system. Such large-scale promotions are often tied to clearing backlogs, recognizing long service, or aligning staff grades with expanded responsibilities, which is crucial for an efficient judiciary.
Confirmed Appointments: Stabilizing Leadership
Beyond promotions, the Commission moved to confirm the acting appointments of several key administrative leaders, providing stability and permanent leadership within the court’s bureaucracy. These confirmations are critical for the uninterrupted administration of justice. The confirmed officers include:
- James Machoko as substantive Chief Registrar of the State High Court (effective June 15, 2025).
- Mr. Useni Galadima as substantive Deputy Registrar of the State High Court.
- Mrs. Victoria Barnabas as Director of Area Courts.
Other confirmations span the High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal, filling vital roles in litigation, audit, and personnel management. For instance, Christian Jonah was confirmed as Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal, a role essential for managing the court’s records and operations, particularly in handling cases governed by native law and custom.
Disciplinary Actions: Upholding Standards
In a clear demonstration that advancement is paired with accountability, the Commission also demoted two officers. Disciplinary measures in the judiciary are taken seriously to maintain public trust and internal discipline.
- Assauten Abasson was demoted from Senior Magistrate II (Grade Level 13) to Senior Registrar (Grade Level 10) and recalled to the High Court Headquarters in Jalingo for two years. The demotion of a magistrate is a notable action, as magistrates preside over cases; such a step likely follows a serious disciplinary finding.
- William Jakwanti was demoted from Registrar I (GL.09) to Assistant Registrar (GL.07). Notably, he was also directed to refund the sum of ₦40,000 to one Musa Audu, suggesting the disciplinary action was linked to a financial impropriety or misuse of office.
These actions serve as a reminder that judicial staff are held to high ethical standards, and infractions can result in severe career consequences.
Context and Implications for Taraba’s Justice System
This large-scale personnel exercise by the TSJC is more than routine administration; it is a strategic restructuring. Promoting hundreds of staff can address stagnation, boost efficiency, and reward competence. Simultaneously, confirming top appointments ensures strategic roles are filled by permanent officers, reducing ambiguity in leadership. The demotions, while concerning, reflect an active internal oversight mechanism.
For the citizens of Taraba State, a motivated, well-structured, and accountable judiciary staff is fundamental to the delivery of timely and fair justice. These reforms, championed under the leadership of Chief Judge Agya, aim to strengthen the institutional backbone of the state’s courts, potentially leading to improved service delivery and enhanced public confidence in the judicial process.
Reported by Martins Abochol in Jalingo. (NAN) Edited by Gabriel Yough.
Source: NAN News
