Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has charged the Judiciary to restore the confidence people reposed on them through sound judgement.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu gave the charge during the opening ceremony of the 2020/2021 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary held at the High Court Headquarters, Umuahia.
The State Chief Executive described the theme of the 2020/2021 Legal Year as very apt, given the critical responsibilities and functions of Judicial Staff in Justice delivery and pointed out that, as major stakeholders, Judiciary Staff must endeavour to deepen the rule of law and accelerate Justice administration without compromising the independence of the Judiciary with a view to restoring the confidence of Nigerians in the Judiciary as the bastion and last hope of the common man.
He charged the Judiciary to show greater concern and commitment in the fight against corruption not only in the Judicial Arm of Government but in other arms and the society at large.
Dr lkpeazu further stated that all relevant Judicial institutions should intensity efforts at formulating and providing sound and clear road map for enhancement of Justice delivery and elimination of corrupt practices in the Judiciary and other arms of Government.
The Governor reaffirmed that his administration is genuinely committed to discharge its functions and obligations effectively and efficiently for the common good of all.
He assured that all institutional frameworks will be strengthened to ensure that Judicial officers in the State and Nation are treated with dignity and respect in line with acceptable international privileges without prejudice to the rule of law and due process.
Declaring the New Legal Year open, the State Chief Judge, Justice Onuoha Arisa Ogwe said sobriety, integrity honesty and fairness remain the hallmark of a Judicial Officer and Staff responsibly charged with the task of dealing with the public for the attainment of Govt’s set objectives.
Justice Ogwe commended the State Government for the prevailing peace and security in the State, the industrial harmony among the work force and the cordial relationship existing between the Bar and the Bench as well as among the three arms of Government in the State and reassured of the Abia State Judiciary’s continued support and cooperation.
High points of the ceremony were a Special Valedictory High Court Session in honour of retired Judges for meritoriously serving the State and Abians, presentation of speeches from the various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association in the State and observance of a minute silence for their departed colleagues.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Uche Ihediwa, top Government Officials, Legal luminaries and other distinguished Personalities attended the ceremony.
