David Umahi, the Ebonyi State governor on Wednesday vowed to trail the gunmen that killed lawyers and some other persons in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
Umahi maintained that the perpetrators would be fished out to face the consequences of the atrocities, adding that this during the commencement of the 2021/2022 legal year at the state high court, Abakaliki.
Two lawyers and two policemen plus some other persons were on Thursday 7th October 2021, shot dead by gunmen at Isu and Onicha Igboeze both in Onicha Local Government Area of the state.
“Let me extend my condolences to the Bar, a few days back, two members of the Bar were brutally murdered for committing no offence. On their way back from court sitting, they were brutally murdered among others, we are on the trail of the perpetrators to face punishment before going to the deepest part of the hellfire,” Umahi said.
Umahi charged the judiciary to be transparent in their administration as they enjoy autonomy under his administration.
He pledged to look into the general welfare of the judicial officers including operational vehicles for the Magistrates and other cadres of the Bar and Bench within the new legal year.
“We will look into the welfare of the Magistrate.
“The Judiciary generally in Nigeria is highly challenged and the Judiciary must redeem itself for the peace and unity of Nigeria. We must at every time put the unity and stability of Nigeria first.”
The Governor while commending the CJ for his prudence, promised to work more closely with the Judiciary to provide a platform for the reinforcement of the Judiciary.
On his part, the state chief judge, Justice Elvis Ngene thanked the governor and government of Ebonyi State for a good working relationship with the Judiciary and pledged to improve their performance in the new legal year.
“In the coming weeks and months, we hope to explore how to leverage the realities on the ground to enhance more progress and productivity in terms of fixing not only infrastructure but a holistic investment that will impact all factors critical to the effective, efficient, and sustainable justice delivery. With the help of God, we shall look at everything worthy of and demanding our attention, and tackle all challenges with courage in the new legal year.
“The Judiciary in Ebonyi State has always and shall continue to relate positively and favourably with the other arms of government to the extent that it does not erode the cherished independence of the Judiciary. We must remain conscious of the borderlines that separate us in the spirit of separation of powers and checks and balances. In the same vein, we must remain committed to the understanding that the government is made up of the three arms which must function and collaborate in harmonious coexistence as one government of Ebonyi State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We appreciate the executive arm of government piloted by a man who understands governance like he was born into it. The mutual respect and cooperation we have maintained need to be sustained. I also appreciate the mutual understanding and cordiality that exist between the judiciary and the legislature and we are determined to maintain the status quo in the overall interest of the good government of the good people of Ebonyi State.”
