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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has brought to the fore a pressing concern: the alarming number of innocent detainees who remain behind bars, their cases unresolved, solely due to their economic inability to engage legal representation.
This is a glaring reminder of the systemic inequalities that need to be addressed.
In a scathing critique of the justice system, Governor Otti lamented the alarming number of individuals languishing in detention without ever having their day in court.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a training program hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators in Umuahia, Otti expressed dismay at the glaring disparity between arrest and trial.
Deputy Governor Ikechuckwu Emetu, representing the Governor, drove home the significance of this training program, stressing that it’s essential for guaranteeing that justice is delivered to those who deserve it in Abia. By investing in this initiative, the state is taking a proactive step towards creating a more equitable society.
Highlighting a critical aspect of legal advocacy, he emphasized that lawyers must possess a deep sense of empathy to champion the causes of innocent individuals who lack the financial means to navigate the complexities of the courtroom.
This, he stressed, is essential for upholding the rule of law in a democratic society, where all stakeholders must play a role in ensuring justice is served.
Governor Otti took advantage of the platform to expose the financial legacy of the previous administration, revealing a whopping debt of over 193 billion naira that his government inherited. This highlighted the immense task of fiscal rehabilitation that lay ahead.
Read also: Alex Otti Pays Condolence Visit To Family Of Fallen Soldier
He challenged lawyers to leverage the insights gained from the training to become champions of justice, freeing innocent people from the shackles of wrongful detention. This, he emphasized, is a moral imperative that requires immediate action.
Earlier in her speech, the registrar and chief executive officer of NICARB, Mrs Shola Osodu John stated that the training was aimed at building up the capacity of the judiciary and helping the ministry of justice at ensuring smooth arbitration, among other related issues.
During her introductory address, Mrs. Cleopatra Nkolika Ubani, SSA to the Governor on legal matters, outlined the training’s key objective: to enhance the proficiency of legal officers and judges in ADR, paving the way for a more agile and effective justice system that reduces the reliance on traditional court proceedings and detention centers.
