Director-General of Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar,
has commended the administration of Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State
for the speedy signing of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of
Enugu State 2017 into law.
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”.
Abubakar who appreciated 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”.
The DG 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”.
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, Hon. Mrs 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” etc.
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, Elder GOC Ajah, the
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Mellitus Eze, and
the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ogbuagu Anikwe.