Legal year: Ebonyi CJ calls for improved access to justice, restore public confidence in courts

The Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Anegu Ngene, has urged judicial officers across the state to prioritize strengthening public confidence in the courts by enhancing access to justice.

Justice Ngene made the call during the 2025 Legal Year celebration held in Abakaliki. He emphasized that ensuring fair, timely, and unhindered access to justice will play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining public trust in the judicial system.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his continued support to the judiciary, particularly in providing improved welfare and ensuring an enabling environment for the judicial arm to function independently.

“As we focus on improving access to justice, no stone will be left unturned in our collective resolve to strengthen justice delivery in this jurisdiction,” Justice Ngene stated.

“I call on all members of the Bench, both high and lower courts, members of the Bar, and judiciary staff to give greater attention to sustaining public confidence in our courts.”

Speaking at the event, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ben Uruchi Odo, highlighted reforms introduced by the Ministry of Justice aimed at improving judicial processes. Among the reforms is the enforcement of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law which prohibits police lay prosecutors from handling criminal cases in Ebonyi State.

Dr. Odo further emphasized that the Ministry has remained a vital link between the Executive and Legislature. He disclosed that of the executive bills processed and transmitted to the State House of Assembly in the past year, 12 have already been passed into law.

He urged legal practitioners to continue to uphold integrity, discipline, and professionalism as a collective effort to restore high moral and ethical values in the justice sector.

In their goodwill messages, the Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) branches in Abakaliki, Onueke, and Afikpo — Samuel Ede, Joseph Nwanga, and Eberechukwu Omezue-Nnali — commended the achievements of the Chief Judge and the judiciary during the past legal year. They pledged continued support toward promoting justice and strengthening the rule of law in the state.