‘As you judge others, you’ll also be judged by your creator’ – Plateau Gov cautions judges
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has reminded judges in the state that while they stand in a position to judge others, they should remember that they will also be judged by their creator.
He also prayed that when their judgment comes, may they stand before their creator with a clear conscience.
Mutfwang stated this while speaking at the 2025/2026 Legal Year Ceremony of the Plateau State High Court of Justice, held at the high court premises in Jos, on Tuesday.
He said, “You had been on recess, and you are now back to face your duties for the next year; I believe that the time of recess has been effectively utilised for purposes of reflection, rejuvenation and a renewal of commitment to the cause of justice.
“Let me appreciate you for the collaboration between the judiciary and the executive, which is not in any way to stifle the rights of individuals and citizens.
“The executive has a duty to ensure that our common wealth is well guarded, is well protected, and that the process of development is not hampered by those who use the machinery of justice to steal or to stifle the common resources that are at our disposal.
“I must confess that, I’m not aware of many bad stories about the plateau judiciary.
“I want to commend the Plateau judiciary for not allowing itself to become the subject of public discourse and public opprobrium.
“I hope that in this coming year, we will recommit ourselves to ensuring that the justice sector in Plateau State is second to none in Nigeria”, he admonished.
“Our judges are in a very unique position to dispense justice to the to the victims, the society, and to the state, but it’s a very delicate assignment in which we can only pray for you, that may God help you, because while you stand in a position to judge others, remember that you yourselves will be judged.”, he maintained.
“And our prayer for all of you is that when your own judgment comes, may you stand before your creator with a clear conscience; you therefore need to be guided by the ethics of your calling, and ensure that judicial discretion is used judiciously.
“Also ensure it is used with the fear of God, and wisdom, so that in the process of rescuing others, you yourself may not become entangled”, Mutfwang advised.
“Since coming on board, as a member of the bar myself; I have decided that we must do all we can to improve the conditions of the judiciary.
“That is why we have continued to treat with utmost dispatch all the requests that have been brought to us by the judiciary, within the constraints of our limitations as to funding, we have also been able to reach out.
“Let me therefore use this opportunity to call on all of us, to renew our commitment to the progress and development of Plateau State.”
The governor added that his administration has been doing its best in the face of security challenges in the state.
“Yes, the security challenge has looked us quietly in the face, and we’ve been doing the much we can.
“We continue to seek for wisdom and better ways of arresting the situation, and hopefully in the next two weeks, we’ll be recruiting an additional personnel into operation rainbow to augment the security situation in the state.
“I continue to urge our citizens to also ensure that we bring credible intelligence,” he said.
