Anambra state Governor Increase Judiciary Subventions by 100% – As Legal Year

The Anambra State Government has increased subvention to the state Judiciary by one hundred percent with immediate effect.

Gov Willie Obiano announced this at the St Patricks Cathedral, Awka during a mass to mark the commencement of the 2016-2017 Legal Year in the State.

The church service was well attended by members of the Bar and Bench from within and outside the state, led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi; the President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Samuel Okoye; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, and the Speaker of the State Assembly, Bar Rita Maduagwu, amongst others.

Addressing the gathering, Gov Obiano explained that the measure was to ensure that the Judiciary is adequately empowered to undertake its functions effectively and to sustain the upgrade of court infrastructure in the state.

The Governor noted that the present economic condition in the country has very dire implications for the state especially hunger and increase in crime rate but pointed out that the Judiciary has a critical role in ensuring that the effects of the recession does not overwhelm the safety of the people.

Describing recession as a time for government to pump money into the system, the Governor explained that that was why his administration was spending a lot of money on the “Choose your Project” N20 million naira community development initiative and disbursing the sum of N3.5 billion naira through the Anambra Small Business Agency(ASBA) to Small and Medium Enterprises in the State.

He urged the Judiciary to continue to be at its best in their responsibility assuring them of his government’s continued support.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi in his remarks described the rule of law as the basic pillar for prosperity in any society. He said the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary which he noted has been driven by the Governor’s goodwill, would guarantee that the state remains a frontliner in terms of prompt dispensation of justice and adherence to the principles of rule of law and separation of powers.

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor reminded all legal practitioners that their profession determines the fate of humanity adding that only faith in God would ensure that they overcome the trials and temptations associated with their chosen vocation.

He advised them to see their work as service to humanity.