Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has emphasised the importance of equality among the branches of government, revealing that the Chief Judge and Speaker of the House of Assembly in the state utilize bulletproof vehicles similar to his own. The governor made this disclosure during a dinner organised for the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who was visiting the state for an official program.
Governor Nwifuru asserted his belief that all tiers of government should operate with uniform official paraphernalia to foster overall peace, harmony, and development. He acknowledged the significant role played by the legislature and judiciary in delivering democracy’s dividends to the people, saying that these branches are in constant contact with the grassroots.
Reflecting on his tenure as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Nwifuru underscored the risks faced by judges who sentence convicted criminals, noting that these individuals often have ties to politicians. He highlighted the potential threats judges face when criminals, released through prerogatives of mercy, encounter them in public.
While acknowledging that his administration has not fully achieved its aspirations for the state judiciary, Governor Nwifuru expressed optimism, promising that by the end of his term, Ebonyi would be a destination for learning from other places.
The visiting Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice commended the governor for hosting him and attorneys-general from the five states of the Southeast zone. Fagbemi praised the governor’s dedication and efficiency, stating the crucial role of an able attorney-general. He pledged his ministry’s commitment to implementing federal government policies aimed at reforming the nation’s judiciary.
In response, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Ebonyi State, Ben Odoh, said the state is glad to work with the minister and other state attorneys-general towards advancing the judiciary in Nigeria.
