MANDATES AND FUNCTION OF KATSINA STATE SHARI'A COMMISSION - Grand Khadi
By Kabir Ahmed S/Kuka
Katsina State Shari'a Commission was inaugurated by Grand Khadi Professor Muhammad Kabir Abubakar at Katsina Shari'a court of Appeal Chamber in Katsina. The nine committee members was appointed by the State Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda to revived the commission of which its functions was stop for the period of time due to some factors affected the Commission.
In his speech during the inauguration, the Grand Khadi urged the members to be honest, and dedicated during their stay in the commission which he said, "you are here for not making money but for the sake of Allah and make the Islam and shari'a in Katsina to progress and development.
The Grand Khadi Professor Kabir mentioned some of the mandates and functions of the commission.
" The commission has wide range of functions and roles to play under the provisions of the Commission Law and Shari'a Courts Laws of the State as follows:
a) It is the duty of the Commission under section B of the Commission law to study the relevant laws of the State, with a view of advising the Government to bring them in conformity with the principles of Islamic law. And advise the Government on creating conductive socio-economic environment for implementation of the reforms".
The Grand Khadi furthermore, stated that, it is the duty of the commission under section B of the Commission law to advise the Judicial Service Commission to training and employment of Alkalis, relevant personnel and number of Shari'a Courts to be established for the State.
"It is also, the duty of the Commission under the provisions of the Shari'a Courts law to conduct examination and an interview. Make recommendation to the JSC on fit competent and qualified candidates to be appointed as Alkalis of the Shari'a Courts. Advise Grand Khadi on numbers of Shari'a Courts to be created and designated for the State. Rules and regulations to be made for practice and procedure of the courts and general supervision of the Courts".
Despite of all these mandates/functions, the Commission has also some challenges facing it. It has to start do-nove because of the sudden occupation of its premises which led to the missing of its Library and over 20 years records. Another challenge is the need of seminars and workshops to be organised as usual, for Juma'at Imams and Ulamas conducting Ramadan Tafseer throughout the State. There is also an urgent need to conduct examinations for screening candidates to be appointed to Shari'a Courts and Alkalis by JSC to fill existing vacancies and many more challenges.
Professor Kabir after inauguration of the new members of the Commission, gave a special thanks and appreciation to the State Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD CON for his compliance with the requirements of the FRN 1999 as amended regarding the independence and autonomy of the State Judiciary. He also thanked the Katsina State House of Assembly for over their deep concern in the establishment of Islamic Justice in the State.