Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has said that his administration has employed 150 judicial staff to boost the manpower needs of the judiciary in the state.
The governor made this known at the high court premises during this year’s legal week of the state judiciary, with the theme “Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering.”
He also noted that he has signed 18 executive bills into law within one year in office.
He enjoined members of the judiciary to continue to meet the demands of court users and the general public, remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties, and brace up for the challenges ahead as the lasting beacon of hope, fairness, and justice to all citizens.
Nwifuru said: “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 for 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 behaviour, 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.
“For me, the judicial arm of the government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness, and justice to all citizens, while the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of justice, protecting human rights, and upholding professional standards. It is for this purpose that the government of Ebonyi State has been quite responsive, supportive, and understanding in many issues that affect the judiciary.
“The Ebonyi State Government also gave approval to the Judicial Service Commission to recruit 150 judicial 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 office, has been consistent in the enhancement of the conditions of service for the judicial officers and staff.”
“My Lord, I want to assure you that within the limits of our resources, we shall continue to strive to improve the welfare of our judges, magistrates, and indeed the entire workforce of the court.
“In the area of law-making, it is on record that under our young administration, executive bills that touch on the welfare of citizens and good governance were prepared and transmitted to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, passed into law, and assented to by me, including the Ebonyi State Correctional Services Law, 2024, and the Chief Registrars (Harmonisation with Permanent Secretaries) Law, 2024.
“My government also facilitated the establishment of the Ebonyi State Multi-Door Courthouse. Again, the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, and Office of Public Defender were also established and domiciled within the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice.
“My Lord, I want to enjoin the judiciary as an institution to continue to strive to meet the demands of court users and the general public, to remain steadfast in the discharge of your duties of adjudication in meeting the expectations of society, and generally to brace up for the challenges ahead.
“Though we are autonomous arms of the same government, I must emphasise that our success as a government lies more in our interdependence and collaboration, which must be undertaken without hindering the independent discharge of our different functions. I want to assure you of my continuous support and partnership as the judiciary discharges its statutory responsibilities.
“Let me use this important and solemn occasion to re-state the commitment of this administration to promote the rule of law and regenerate a new era of economic prosperity for our dear state. I am confident that under the current leadership of my noble and gracious Lord, the Chief Judge, Hon. Elvis Anegu Ngene, the good people of Ebonyi State are assured of the prompt and fair dispensation of justice, innovations, and more reforms that will improve the administration of justice in the state.”
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