Anambra increases judiciary aids 100%, as legal year kick-off

The Anambra State Government is to increase its subvention to the state Judiciary by one hundred percent with immediate effect. 

Gov Willie Obiano announced this package at St Patricks Cathedral, Awka during the Eucharistic mass to kick-start the 2016-2017 Legal Year in the State, yesterday (Monday)

The church service was well-attended by the members of the Bar and the Bench from within and outside the state, led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi; the President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Samuel Okoye; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, and the Speaker of the State Assembly, Bar Rita Maduagwu, amongst others.

In statement made available to journalists by one of the governor’s media aides, Mr Kingsley Ezekwelu, the Governor had explained that the measure was to ensure that the Judiciary is adequately empowered to undertake its functions effectively and to sustain the upgrade of court infrastructure in the state. 

The governor noted that the present economic condition in the country has very dire implications for the state especially hunger and increase in crime rate.

He therefore pointed out that the Judiciary has a critical role in ensuring that the effects of the recession does not overwhelm the safety of the people.

Governor Obiano described recession as a time for government to pump money into the system.

He explained that it was why his administration was spending a lot of money on the “Choose your Project” N20 million naira community development initiative.

He also noted his admin is disbursing the sum of N3.5 billion naira through the Anambra Small Business Agency (ASBA) for Small and Medium Enterprises in the State. 

He urged the Judiciary to continue to be at its best in their responsibilities, assuring them of his government’s support.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi in his remarks described the rule of law as the basic pillar for prosperity in any society.

He hailed the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary, which he noted has been driven by the Governor’s goodwill.

He said it would guarantee that the state remains a front liner in terms of prompt dispensation of justice and adherence to the principles of rule of law and separation of powers. 

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor reminded all legal practitioners that their profession determines the fate of humanity.

He, therefore, reminded them that only faith in God would ensure they overcome the trials and temptations associated with their chosen vocation. 

He advised them to see their work as service to humanity.

From Chuks Collins, Awka

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