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By Oscar Okhifo
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has unveiled far-reaching reforms in the justice sector since his assumption of office in 2023.
Mbah spoke on Sunday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar AssociationMbah Showcases Enugu’s Justice Sector Reforms at 2025 NBA Conference (NBA) held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, noting that justice sector reform remained the cornerstone of his government.
“The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Stand Out, Stand Tall,’ is a timely reminder of the responsibility we bear as lawyers and leaders. The law is not just a profession, it is the conscience of the nation. We are not only courtroom advocates; we are also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity,” he told participants.
Highlighting concrete steps taken by his government, the governor noted that Enugu was among the first states to fully implement financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He added that his administration had rehabilitated and digitised courtrooms across the three senatorial zones, equipped the High Court Complex with e-filing, virtual hearing facilities and an integrated case management system.
Mbah further disclosed that the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse had been strengthened to promote alternative dispute resolution, while pro bono legal services for indigent citizens and detainees had been expanded in partnership with civil society and the NBA.
“We have also carried out an extensive codification and review of obsolete state laws to reflect modern realities, ensure gender justice, and promote the ease of doing business in Enugu. Perhaps one of the reforms I am proudest of is that we introduced real-time transcription for our courts. Attaining verbatim reporting has eliminated the strain of longhand recording on judges, cut down on delays and improved productivity,” he said.
He stressed that the reforms were not an end in themselves but part of a broader vision to position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, innovation and inclusive development.
“From smart schools, safe communities to accessible healthcare, our vision cannot be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted,” he added.
The event, which had in attendance leading voices in law and governance, was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III, while the keynote address was delivered by Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters of South Africa and a member of the country’s national parliament.