Accelerate Dispensation Of Justice – Gov Obiano Charges Judiciary
By John Emmanuel
Gov Willie Obiano has charged Judiciary to accelerate dispensation of Justice and eschew unnecessary judicial protocols that Will delay delivery of judgement.
Gov Obiano said the acceleration would enable decongestion of Correctional Services and ensure determination of the fate of the suspects, added that justice delayed is justice denied.
Gov Obiano stated this during a Church Service to mark the commencement of 2020/2021 Legal Year ceremonies, at St. Faith Cathedral, Awka.
The event with the theme : “Administration of Justice in Contemporary Times: Appraisal and Challenges” witnessed the heavy presence of personalities, such as the State Governor, Willie Obiano and his wife, Ebelechukwu Obiano, Deputy Speaker, Pascal Agbodike,who represented the Speaker, Rt Hon Uche Okafor.
Others were the Chief of Staff to Anambra state Government, Primus Odili, the Head of Service, Barr Harry Uduh among other government officials.
Equally present were the Chief Judge if Anambra state, Hon Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, among other judges, magistrates, and other legal practitioners and Service Commanders.
The Governor while declaring the event open disclosed that he had directed the State Attorney General, Uju Nworgu to visit all Correctional Services and discharge all those with minor offences who had been discharged by court, but are unable to pay their fines.
He promised that Anambra State Government would off-set their fines to enable them reconcile with their family, but warned them to desist from crime.
Gov Obiano stressed that his administration would not relent in providing the necessary welfare of judiciary, which would assist in fast delivery of justice.
“COVID-19 is still with us. We must ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols. Wear your facemasks properly, observe social distancing and wash your hands consistently.” Gov Obiano charged.
Delivering his sermon, the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim, charged legal practitioners to seek divine wisdom and dispense justice in fear of God.
Archbishop Ibezim urged judiciary to work harmoniously with the executive arm in propounding excellent policies that would promote the peace of the state.
“Legal practitioners must let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. They should not deceive those who rely on them for Justice.
“There must be self determination through prayers and dependency on God.
“I also urged leaders to be prepared always to paying the supreme sacrifice of leadership, to sustain and uphold the responsibility assigned to them.” Bishop advised.
On his part, Justice Anyachebelu commended Gov Obiano for honouring the event, promised to continue discharging their duties diligently.
The Deputy Speaker, Pascal Agbodike, who represented the Speaker, Rt Hon Uche Okafor, observed that the present administration had created adequate enabling environment for smooth collaboration among the three arms if government in the state.
The high point of the event was display of parade mounted by the Nigeria Police Force.
