The Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie, said the state government has moved to boost the justice delivery system in the state, following the creation of a digital platform for case management.
Briefing newsmen in Benin on the achievements of the Edo State Ministry of Justice since the inception of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration, Osagie said the government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the mandate of the ministry towards ensuring that the course of justice administration in the state is unhindered.
The Attorney-General noted that the state government remains committed to strengthening the justice delivery system, with a view to protecting the rights of citizens and upholding the rule of law in line with the vision of the administration.
Osagie, who listed some of the achievements in the period under review, said that, owing to the delay in criminal prosecution, and the inability of suspects to appear in courts for their trial due to logistics challenges.
The ministry, in recognition of the fact that Correctional Services are now Constitutional matters on the concurrent list, he said, has taken steps to enable the state government to invest in speedy dispensation of justice through the provision of logistic support.
He added that the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) has also put in place mechanisms for the expeditious returns on cases referred to it for legal opinions, stating that “this has resulted in timeous consideration of such matters for legal prosecution or no prima facie case opinion.”
Osagie said that the state government, in its relentless pursuit of justice in criminal matters, ranging from capital offences to other serious crimes, remains strong.
According to him, their prosecutors continue to work tirelessly to ensure that offenders are brought to justice swiftly and fairly.
“And this administration’s commitment to fighting crimes succeeds for the security and welfare of Edo citizens as enjoined by section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as altered),” he said.
The Edo AG said the achievements recorded in the justice ministry in the few months of Governor Okpebholo’s assumption of office are a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of all staff across all departments.
He noted that the Okpebholo-led government remains committed to sustaining and surpassing these milestones and ensuring that the Edo State Ministry of Justice continues to serve as a beacon of justice, fairness and good governance.
Osagie, who pledged his support for the governor, appreciated the Okpebholo governor for his unwavering support for enthroning good governance in Edo State.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Aikefe Aigbavboa, expressed optimism that the Edo State government has prioritised the welfare of judiciary staff by ensuring that staff salaries were paid regularly by the 21st day of every month, among other welfare packages, including providing opportunities for staff members to attend the NBA conference.
