Ebonyi state has established a citizens’ mediation centre and an e-justice system for dispute resolution, its Attorney-General, Ben Odoh, said in Abakaliki on Saturday.

Presenting the government’s scorecard as part of activities marking Ebonyi’s 27th anniversary and the nation’s 63rd Oct. 1 independence anniversary, Mr Odoh said the step was designed to improve the justice delivery system.

He explained that the Citizens’ Mediation Centre was designed for people lacking the ability to seek justice at the formal law courts.

“We established the centre to reduce the difficulties of going to court, especially for those who do not have the financial means.

“We also established a restorative justice system as a modern way of resolving matters. We have, therefore, made an integrated paradigm shift in justice delivery.

“Within its first 152 days in office, Gov. Francis Nwifuru’s administration has done well in justice delivery.

“We visited the Nigerian custodial centres at Afikpo and Abakaliki to reduce the number of `awaiting-trial persons’ and decongest the facilities.

“Of the 128 case files received from the police, 13 cases have been concluded,’’ Mr Odoh said.

He added that Mr Nwifuru’s administration had also created a Department of Appeal, Gender-Based Violence Centre and a legal research department.

“All these are special centres to improve justice delivery in Ebonyi,’’ the attorney general stressed.

(NAN)