By Monday Uzor
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State says he will at all times commit to judicial autonomy and welfare of judicial officers to ensure effective justice delivery in the state.
Governor Nwifuru made the disclosure on Friday during the grand finale of the 2025/2026 Legal Year celebration held at the Judicial Complex, Abakaliki Ebonyi State.
“We are making arrangements to ensure that across the State, we will embark on the rehabilitation and construction of court buildings, both at the High Court and Customary Court levels.
“Our goal is to ensure that every judicial officer sits in a conducive, dignified environment befitting the sacred duty they perform. We will do this before we leave office in 2031 by God’s Special Grace.
“Similarly, I will discuss with the Chief Judge of our dear great State to see how we can move to the global trend towards e-justice to reduce cost of carrying files up and down with some eaten by rats and cockroaches.
“These can delay justice delivery. And so by God’s Grace and Mercy we will commence the digitization of our court records and proceedings. “
According to the Governor, the reforms will enhance transparency, reduce delays, and curb the menace of case congestion.
Earlier in his address, the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Hon Justice Elvis Ngene described Governor Nwifuru as a judiciary friendly Governor who has ensured the Ebonyi State judiciary is alive to its statutory responsibilities.
Justice Ngene explained that “the Legal Year is deeply rooted in the English Law which was adopted during the colonial era, where Judges receive guidance and engage in ceremonial procession, marking a commencement of a new year of legal proceedings”.
Hon Ngene, who stated that the essence of the judiciary is to dispense justice, a role the government of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has consistently supported since he assumed office
“Because of the enormity of roles the judiciary plays, adequate funding of the judiciary breeds social order, social cohesion, peace and justice.”
