Business
2009: Legal Council Handles 309 Cases In Rivers
The Legal Aid Council, Rivers State chapter, says a total of 171 criminal applications were received last year. Out of this number, 100 applications were disposed off, while about 71 are still pending in the courts.
Also, about 138 applications were received for civil cases last year, while 36 criminal cases were received between January and April this year. A total of 76 civil applications have so far been received and are receiving attention.
The state co-ordinator, Mrs Ijeoma P. Alinnor disclosed this while speaking with The Tide, Wednesday, in Port Harcourt.
She explained that the Legal Aid Council is charged with the responsibility of indigent citizens whose income cannot afford the services of private legal practitioners.
“Legal Aid Council is established to give voice to the voiceless. We go to the communities and educate them on their rights while creating awareness on the council’s activities”, she said.
Mrs Alinnor noted that the council under its civil jurisdiction also functions as a mediation centre where alternative dispute resolution measures is used to settle parties or complaints made to the council.
Alinnor, who is a senior legal aid officer in the state, said the council is also charged with the responsibility of reviewing the cases of awaiting trial inmates who have stayed in custody and assist them in securing their release.
According to her, the major militating factor in achieving the vision of the council has been lack of mobility, inadequate funding, lack of basic equipment and lack of adequate manpower to move around in the discharge of their functions in the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
She thus appealed to the state government through the office of the attorney-general and the judiciary to assist the council by providing the necessary facilities to enhance effective discharge of their functions.
Mrs Alinnor commended the efforts of the state judiciary in providing accommodation and furniture for the council since the inception of legal aid in the state in 1979.
She encouraged private legal practitioners to appreciate its service and donate or generate fund to boost its services.
The state coordinator also noted that the provision of access to justice is a collective responsibility, adding that “the Legal Aid Council is the only statutory body with the mandate to do justice”.
She enjoined every well meaning person and agencies in the justice delivery system to support the legal aid council to render services to humanity.
Business
Kenyan Runners Dominate Berlin Marathons
Kenya made it a clean sweep at the Berlin Marathon with Sabastian Sawe winning the men’s race and Rosemary Wanjiru triumphing in the women’s.
Sawe finished in two hours, two minutes and 16 seconds to make it three wins in his first three marathons.
The 30-year-old, who was victorious at this year’s London Marathon, set a sizzling pace as he left the field behind and ran much of the race surrounded only by his pacesetters.
Japan’s Akasaki Akira came second after a powerful latter half of the race, finishing almost four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele followed in third.
“I did my best and I am happy for this performance,” said Sawe.
“I am so happy for this year. I felt well but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.”
Sawe had Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35 in his sights when he reached halfway in 1:00:12, but faded towards the end.
In the women’s race, Wanjiru sped away from the lead pack after 25 kilometers before finishing in 2:21:05.
Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed three seconds behind Wanjiru, with Azmera Gebru, also of Ethiopia, coming third in 2:21:29.
Wanjiru’s time was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, which she set in Chicago in 2024.
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