..lays foundation for state’s Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has reiterated the the resolve of his administration to continue to take actions that would ensure that the state’s Judiciary remains “suitably equipped and empowered to function effectively as an independent arm of Government”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi also expressed the desire of the state government to create a more conducive environment for the effective administration and dispensation of justice in the state particularly, through the provision of suitable infrastructure and essential tools and equipment for the State Judiciary.
The governor spoke when he performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, located within the three arm zone in Independence Layout, Enugu.
Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the new edifice for the State Customary Court of Appeal when completed “would not only help to enhance the dignity, efficiency, productivity and safety of our courts but would also help to boost the confidence and comfort of all court users”.
He added the project was a further demonstration of the noble vision of his administration for the Judiciary, assuring that “this project will be given expeditious attention and with full commitment to approved standards and specifications”.
“This is in addition to other measures and programmes that we had embarked on for the construction and rehabilitation of Court buildings, provision of essential machinery and equipment to some units of the Courts across the state as well as the continuous training of Court personnel”, the governor said.
In her address, the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu, described the project as a “significant” venture, which came after “about seven to eight years of establishment of the Customary Court of Appeal in Enugu State”, saying: “The Judiciary of Enugu State is therefore, grateful to Your Excellency”.
The Chief Judge stated that Gov. Ugwuanyi’s love and commitment towards effective justice delivery in the state is not in doubt, disclosing that the governor has demonstrated “clearly” the great importance he attaches to the affairs of the State Judiciary.
She thanked the governor for the “plethora of projects” his administration has executed for the State Judiciary, such as the commencement of the payment of 50% CONJUS salary structure for Judiciary staff; provision of 250KVA and 150 KVA sound proof Generating sets for use at the Judiciary Headquarters as well as a 275KVA generator-set for use at the Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu, and a host of other achievements.
Hon. Justice Emehelu announced that the governor provided the facilities and the enabling environment that saw to the recent appointment of
Their Worships – Lynda Okibe, Vera Ajogwu and Esther Nnena Alukwu, as Honourable Judges of the High Court of Justice, Enugu State. Gov. Ugwuanyi at the event announced that he will swear in the newly appointed Judges on Tuesday.
In his welcome address, the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George C. Nnamani described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a leader with “a listening ear”, and commended him for his administrative disposition towards the Customary Court of Appeal, which, he said, was rooted in Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and ye shall be given”.
According to him, “in that spirit, His Excellency readily granted my request for the creation of nine additional Customary Courts in the state in order to get justice closer to the people.
“I must place on record that in all these interlocking provisions , the gap between demand and supply was thin, so thin that the name Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi can rightly be prefixed or suffixed with RRG- Rapid Response Governor”.
He explained that the structure in design was “the product of architectural excellence, made up of two expansive or commodious court halls, a library, offices for Judges and their support staff, a conference room, offices for the Chief Registrar, the Deputy Chief Registrar and their support staff, other relevant offices for the staff of the court”, saying: “The building can only come to us as one big relief”.
The Customary Court of Appeal President told the governor that the Judges and the staff will reciprocate his “unprecedented welfare gestures not only in deafening ovation but also in unblemished patriotism, in stoical dedication to duty, in purposeful efficiency, in stubborn integrity, in the avoidance of indolence and, most importantly, in the love of God”.
Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to effective Independent Judiciary
