PeakNews Online
Enugu, Nigeria – Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has inaugurated the reconstituted Enugu State Judicial Service Commission and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy. The ceremonies took place at the Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday.
The Enugu State Judicial Service Commission, chaired by Chief Judge Justice Ozoemena Afojulu, includes State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Kingsley Udeh, President of the State’s Customary Court of Appeal Justice Chibueze Nnamani, retired Justice Reuben Onuora, Prof. Andrew Chukwumerie (SAN), Hon. Gabriel Agbo, and Dr. Udechukwu Ezeh.
The seven-member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy is chaired by the State Attorney General and includes Barr. Seth Nwokolo as Secretary, Dr. Rita Emeh as a member, and representatives from the Nigeria Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).
Governor Mbah emphasized the importance of a functional judicial system in attracting investments to the state, highlighting recent reforms and technological advancements aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
“In my one-year anniversary address, I outlined reforms and steps we have taken in the judiciary. A sound judicial system is crucial for enforcing contracts, which ties directly to our goal of economic growth,” said Governor Mbah. “We are digitizing our processes and procedures, advancing verbatim court reporting to eliminate longhand reporting and enhance judicial effectiveness. Specialized courts are also being created to expedite access to justice.”
Regarding the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Mbah addressed the urgent need to decongest correctional facilities, noting that prisons designed for 650 inmates currently house over 2,000, with more than 80% awaiting trial.
“The council’s primary function is to review clemency applications and advise the governor with recommendations. These reviews must be conducted with a deep sense of duty, guided by objective guidelines, and assessed on individual merits to serve the common good of society,” Governor Mbah stated.
The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu, and Attorney General Dr. Udeh, both expressed their commitment to supporting Governor Mbah’s initiatives to improve the state’s judicial system and correctional facilities.
“Reconstituting this body demonstrates your commitment to justice and governance,” said Attorney General Udeh. “We will discharge our duties responsibly to decongest prisons without compromising security, ensuring that only reformed inmates are released.”
The inauguration underscores the Enugu State government’s dedication to judicial reform, efficient administration of justice, and addressing prison overcrowding.
