ANAMBRA LEGAL YEAR: GOV. OBIANO CANVASSES FOR DECONGESTION OF PRISONS AS BISHOP EZEOKAFOR DEMANDS LEGAL CHALLENGE OF VIOLATION OF FEDERAL CHARACTER

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has tasked the judiciary to put measures in place to quicken the delivery of justice in the country.

The Governor stated this during a mass to mark the commencement of the 2018/2019 Legal Year in Anambra State held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka.

Governor Obiano who expressed happiness over the contributions of the judiciary to national development noted that quick dispensation of justice would promote the decongestion of prison facilities.

Governor Obiano however lamented the high number of awaiting trial inmates in prisons and called for urgent measures to decongest the system.

He urged the judiciary to devote more time to the treatment of criminal cases and assured the bench and the bar that his administration would continue to provide the judiciary with the right tools to perform its functions optimally.

Earlier in a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, lamented what he described as the violations of the Federal Character principles in appointments and requested legal practitioners to challenge its application to ensure obedience to the law.

The Most Reverend Ezeokafor stressed the need for legal practitioners to utilize their works in propagating the truth by allowing the light of God to guide their actions.

He also advised the judiciary to always avail inmates awaiting trials quality legal services to enhance the treatment of their cases.

The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, pledged the readiness of the judiciary to ensure efficient administration of justice in the area.

The programme was graced by judges, magistrates, lawyers, government official, traditional rulers, judicial workers and other dignitaries.

NDU NWANNAH