The newly sworn judge and chief Justice Hassan Jallow
The Gambian judiciary has welcomed Justice Ademine Coker to the High Court bench in a formal swearing-in ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow. The event underscored the strong judicial cooperation between The Gambia and Nigeria and reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and maintaining public confidence.
Chief Justice Jallow warmly welcomed Justice Coker, encouraging her to integrate seamlessly into the judiciary and assuring her of full institutional support. He expressed confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the justice system.”We welcome the newly appointed Judge Justice Ademine Coker to The Gambia, to our judiciary, and to the bench of the High Court,” he stated. “We are confident that my lady will bring to the Gambian judiciary a wealth of experience, which will be beneficial in our efforts to improve the quality of justice in the country,”
Justice Coker brings over 40 years of legal expertise, including 25 years on the bench in Lagos State, Nigeria. Chief Justice Jallow commended her distinguished career and emphasized the judiciary’s ongoing commitment to strengthening justice delivery.
Chief Justice Jallow extended gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian government for their continued technical assistance. “He responded very quickly and favourably to our request for the deployment of a Judge to the country on technical assistance,” he remarked, emphasizing the strong, cooperative relationship between the two nations.
In his address to the wider judiciary, Chief Justice Jallow stressed the vital role of upholding public trust “We all need to work together to ensure that the enterprise of justice delivery is a successful one,” he said, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of the Bar, stakeholders, and the public. He also noted the increasing demand for access to justice. “Year after year, we are faced with an increased number of people who want to access the courts for justice. Every year almost, we see a rise of 25 to 30% in the number of people and cases that are brought to the courts; because people have confidence in this institution as a temple of justice,” he explained.
Highlighting recent achievements, he noted that in 2024 alone, over 6,000 cases were resolved from a backlog of 13,000, marking a significant milestone for judicial efficiency. He urged judicial officers to continue their dedication to public service, emphasizing the judiciary’s responsibility to maintain public trust.
“In 2024, as I reported, the courts had dealt with the previous year and disposed of more than 6,000 cases out of a total of 13,000 which were in the system, including previous filings; that’s a tremendous achievement by judicial officers.”
Gambia Bar Association President, Lawyer Nenneh Cham, welcomed Justice Coker, praising her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to fairness.
“The appointment of Justice Coker is no doubt a testament to her dedication, expertise, and commitment to fairness,” she remarked. She also underscored the significance of ethical conduct and mutual respect between the bench and the Bar. “While the roles we play are distinct, we share a common goal, which is the pursuit of justice,” she added, pledging the Bar’s full cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Justice, Mr. Colley echoed similar sentiments, describing the swearing-in as a significant milestone. “This momentous occasion signifies not only a personal achievement for Justice Coker but also a testament to the enduring commitment of our judiciary to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” he stated.
Quoting the late Chief Justice Bausley Aza and a South African judge, he underscored the importance of not only understanding the law but also the lives of those who seek justice. He further extended his appreciation to Nigeria for its ongoing technical support.
As she assumed her role as a newly appointed judge, Justice Coker pledged her unwavering commitment to upholding justice. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Adama Barrow for the appointment and thanked Chief Justice Jallow and the judiciary for their warm reception.”This shows very clearly the excellent relationship between the two countries, and especially the trust and confidence the Gambian judiciary has in the Nigerian judiciary,” she said.
Pledging to administer justice fairly and efficiently, she vowed to serve to the best of her ability, guided by the law and good conscience. She also offered a solemn prayer for wisdom and guidance in fulfilling her duties.