Ebonyi State Governor Signs Executive Bills, Recruits 150 Judicial Workers

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has signed 18 Executive Bills into law within one year in office.

Governor Nwifuru made the disclosure at the state’s high court premesis during this year’s legal week of the state judiciary, with the theme ‘Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering’

He also said that his administration has employed 150 Judicial staff to boost manpower needs of the Judiciary in the state.

The governor described the judiciary as the  lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens, and urged members of the Judiciary to continue to meet the demands of the people and also remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.

His words: “today’s theme, Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering, speaks directly to the transformative power of the law in guiding our society towards progress, equity, and justice. I commend the organisers of this event, in re-echoeing the power of law which our government believes is critical to social engineering,”

Continuing, he said, “in  the context of law, it is critical in shaping societal behavior, norms, and values. As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate for reforms that address the pressing issues of our time, setting the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all.

“For me, the Judicial Arm of the Government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens, while the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of Justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards. It is for this purpose that the Government of Ebonyi State has been quite responsive, supportive and understanding in issues that affect the Judiciary.”

The governor also said that his administration has given approval to the state Judicial Service Commission, to recruit no fewer than 150 workers to boost the manpower needs of the Judiciary.

He stated that under his watch, the government of Ebonyi State has been consistent in the enhancement of the conditions of service of the Judicial officers and staff, in the past one year in office.

“My Lord, I want to assure you that within the limits of our resources, we shall continue to strive to improve upon the welfare of our Judges, Magistrates and indeed the entire workforce of the Court,” he emphasised.

On law-making, governor Nwifuru recalled that his Administration has also approved Executive Bills that touch on the welfare of the citizens just as good governance, Ebonyi State Correctional Services Law 2024, Chief Registrars Harmonization, while Permanent Secretaries Law 2024, were also prepared and transmitted to the State House of Assembly, passed into Law and Assented by him.

Nwifuru further said that his administration also facilitated the establishment of the Ebonyi State Multi Door Court House, Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, and the establishment of the Office of Public Defender, domiciled within the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice.

He observed that even when the judiciary is an autonomous arm of government, its success still lies more in the inter-dependence and collaboration with other arms of the same government, and assured his government’s continued support and partnership with the Judiciary in the discharges its statutory responsibilities.

Confidence Okwuchi