Legal Aid Council lauds Ugwuanyi’s commitment to justice delivery

The Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu
Abubakar, has commended the administration of Governor Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the speedy signing of the
Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Enugu State 2017 into
law.

Mr Abubakar, who also applauded the state government for its
implementation of the law, described it as “the best in the
country”.

The Legal Aid Council DG gave the commendation when members of
the body paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, Enugu.

He equally lauded the state government for the prompt payment of
monthly subvention to the Legal Aid Council, adding that “this
gesture shows that the government takes everyone into heart,
especially in the area of justice delivery.”

Mr Abubakar, who appreciated Mr Ugwuanyi for his commitment to
the progress of the judiciary in the state, said: “The Legal Aid
Council is here to assure you that we are ready, capable and
willing to continue to partner with other stakeholders to enhance
justice delivery in the state.”

He disclosed that the council’s target “is to ensure that all
the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria are covered so that
access to justice is delivered closer to the people, especially
those who cannot afford to transport themselves around when they
have matters.”

Responding, Mr Ugwuanyi, while welcoming the delegation to the
Government House, reiterated his administration’s determination to
create a more conducive and enabling environment for the effective
administration and dispensation of justice in the state.

Represented by his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo, the governor
highlighted the progress made so far by his administration in the
Justice Sector, saying: “These include but are not limited to such
milestones as the enactment of the Child Rights Law of Enugu State,
the enactment of the Enugu State Administration of Criminal Justice
Law considered the best in Nigeria.”

Others, according to him, include “establishment of a functional
Multi-Door Court House Law (the first in the South East and South
South regions of Nigeria); Sustenance and Upgrade of the Enugu
State Sexual Assault Referral Centre; Decentralisation of the
Citizens’ Rights Department; Construction, renovation and equipment
of Court building in the state as well as the juvenile correctional
home at Ngwo.”

The governor assured the members of the continuing support and
assistance of the state government to the Legal Aid Council towards
the success of its operations, especially in Enugu State.

Other members of Enugu State Executive Council that were present
during the visit were the Secretary to the State Government, GOC
Ajah, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,
Mellitus Eze and the Commissioner for Information, Ogbuagu
Anikwe.