Judicial Reforms: RSG Empowers 14-Man Road Map Committee

The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a 14-man Road map committee for speedy delivery of justice in the state.

The committee is expected to work out general principles that could assist the state achieve steady delivery of justice as well as turn around the system while making practitioners work with global best practices.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Worgu Boms, while inaugurating the committee in his office, yesterday, said the move was to realise the mission and objective of the present administration.

According to him, the mission was to ensure the rule of law and the administration of justice through the application of the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, excellence and global best practices.

Represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Rufus N. Godwin, the commissioner charged the committee to fashion out ways and means for efficient, reliable, affordable and accessible justice delivery in the state.

The state commissioner for justice opined that with the reforms in the justice system people would have the confidence to invest in the state.

He said players in justice administration must work in unity and share in oneness so as to enable judges dispense with cases within the shortest possible time, adding that he was optimistic that members of the committee would achieve the mandate given to them.

The commissioner while announcing the award of contract for the computerisation of the justice system, urged members of the committee to work assiduously to realise the dream of the present administration towards justice delivery in the state.

Also speaking, a representative of the state chief judge, Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill of Port Harcourt High Court said the new move would save time in the determination of cases.

He lauded the commissioner for taking the bold step to reposition the justice system in the state, and assured of their commitment to ensure that the goal was achieved.

In his remarks, chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ahoada Branch, Rogers Agebesor, lauded the commissioner for the opportunity, and assured that when the reforms come into existence, the NBA would ensure compliance from members.

In his speech the computer consultant, Tunde Aiyegbusi, said the project was aimed at speedy delivery of justice in the state, adding that when this is achieved, litigants would have quick access to judgments of cases across the world.

The members are, Hon. Worgu Bombs, chairman, Rufus N. Godwin, Alternate Chairman, Justice Biobele Abraham, Supervisory role, all chairmen of the four branches of NBA in the state, and representatives from the police and prison services.

Judith Briggs