Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, on Friday said he assented to 18 executive bills during his one-year in office.

Mr Nwifuru made the disclosure in a speech at the 2024/2025 Judiciary Year celebration in Abakaliki.

He said that his administration had so far employed at least 150 judiciary staff.

He also said that the judiciary would remain the last beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens.

The governor expressed the need to uphold the integrity of the bench “to do justice to all men without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

Mr Nwifuru described the theme of the celebration, “Law as an instrument for social engineering” as apt in shaping society.

He said, “I commend the organisers for echoing the power of law, which our government wholeheartedly believes is critical to social engineering. In the context of the law, it is critical in shaping societal behaviour, norms and values. As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate reforms that address the pressing issues of our time and set the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all. The judicial arm of the government remains the only and last beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens.’’

According to him, 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 on many issues that affect the judiciary.

“I want to assure you that within the limit of our resources, we shall continue to strive to improve on the welfare of our judges, magistrates and, indeed, the entire workforce of the judiciary,” the governor said.

Earlier, the state Chief Judge, Justice Elvis Ngene, thanked the governor for his support to the development of the judiciary and pledged more commitment to the qualitative justice delivery system.

Mr Ngene said that 13,919 cases were pending in the high court at the beginning of last legal year.

The CJ said, “A total of 5,343 cases were filed. The cases disposed off stands at 10,250 and the pending cases at the close of the period are 9,012. At the magistrates’ court, 4,213 cases were pending at the beginning of the period, 2,145 were filed, 2,318 were disposed of and 4,040 were pending at the end of the period under review. At the customary court of appeal, 893 cases were pending at the beginning of the last legal year, 71 were filed within the period. A total of 86 cases were disposed off and 878 were pending at the end of the period.’’

 (NAN)