Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has reminded the Judiciary that it has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of Justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Legal Year in Abakaliki, the Governor made emphasized that the Judicial Arm of the Government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens.
Governor Nwifuru however noted that effective dispensation of justice could only be achieved only when the judiciary is truly independent.
He pointed out that the occasion provides an opportunity for Judicial officers to renew their resolve to uphold the integrity of the Bench and to do justice to all men without fear or favour, affection, or ill will.
“Today’s theme, “Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering,” speaks directly to the transformative power of the law in guiding our society towards progress, equity, and justice. I commend the organisers in re-echoing the power of law which our government wholeheartedly believes is critical to social engineering,. In the context of law, it is critical in shaping societal behavior, norms, and values. As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate for reforms that address the pressing issues of our time, setting the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all,” he observed.
The Governor stated that his administration has been quite responsive, supportive and understanding in many issues that affect the Judiciary, revealing that the State Government had given approval to the Judicial Service Commission to recruit 150 Judiciary staff to boost the manpower needs of the Judiciary.
” I am able to testify that the present Government of Ebonyi State even though one year in the office has been consistent in the enhancement of the conditions of service of the Judicial officers and staff,” the Governor proudly echoed.
Governor Nwifuru therefore enjoined the Judiciary as an Institution to continue to strive to meet the demands of Courts users and the general public, to remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties of adjudications in meeting with the expectations of the society and brace up for the challenges ahead.
He re-stated the commitment of his administration to promote the Rule of Law and regenerate a new era of economic prosperity for the State.
In his address, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Ngele, called on judicial officers and legal practitioners to ensure that they always work towards the protection of the sanctity of the rule of law and administration of justice.
Justice Ngele described the theme of this year’s event is apt, inview of the growing emphasis on the effectiveness of the instrumentality of law in accomplishing positive changes in contemporary societies, noting that legal practitioners must always maintain the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
In his speech, the President Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osuigwe SAN, without charged lawyers and litigants to abide by the sanctity of Court decisions, to attract public confidence on the judiciary.
