Legal Year: Anambra Govt Procures first batch of Stenographic machines

Anambra state Government has procured the first batch of Stenographic machines to assist in quality justice delivery.

Governor Willie Obiano, who made this known at a church service marking the 2020/2021 LegaL Year of Anambra State Judiciary at the Cathedral Church of St Faith, Awka, said that the set of stenographic machines would be deployed to 25 courts in the state.

The governor expressed the desire to see the Anambra judiciary working steadfastly to reduce the congestion of cases and facilitate speedy trials thereby ensuring quick dispensation of justice and discharge of inmates awaiting trials.

Chief Obiano, who explained that the present administration is in good working relationship with the judiciary and the legislature, pledged to ensure that justice is delivered to the people.

He further announced the establishment of Juvenile Correctional and Rehabilitation facility at Umunze, Anambra State to ensure effective management and rehabilitation of young offenders to avoid mixing them up with hardened criminals.

Obiano noted that the year has been a very difficult one given the scourge of COVID-19 and urged everyone to continue to observe necessary protocols to avoid contracting the disease. He acknowledged the impact of the well intentioned #EndSars protest and enunciated the work the state did in collaboration with community leaders and youths to stem the tide of unnecessary carnage.

The governor commended the cordial relationship between the judiciary and legislature, noting that his administration takes the welfare of the judiciary in spite of the lean resources of the state as exemplified by the payment of salary, pension and gratuities. Not to mention other development strides like the Anambra State International Cargo Airport, Conference Centre, Awka City Stadium and ongoing road projects, which he assured will be completed on schedule.

Earlier in his sermon, the Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop, Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim said that life is a mirror which one should live seeking the face of God at all times.

Archbishop Ibezim lamented that a lot of people have lost hope in God due to the current challenge facing the country and the world, saying that the world could surmount the present challenge through faith in the Lord Jesus.

He applauded the choice of the theme of the Legal Year, ” Administration of Justice in Contemporary Times: Appraisal and Challenges.” According to the Archbishop, we cannot lose hope or continue to live in fear because God is telling us not to lose hope.

In his vote of thanks, Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, thanked Governor Obiano, Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, distinguished justices, senior advocates and legal luminaries who graced the occasion and promised that they would continue to render selfless service to all.

Wife of the state governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Paschal Agbodike, Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Primus Odili, among others attended the service.