Abia State Governor Alex Otti has issued a heartfelt plea to the legal community, urging them to advocate for detainees who remain in detention without access to justice due to financial constraints. Speaking at the launch of a training program organized by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICARAB) in Umuahia, Otti, represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, highlighted the urgent need for legal professionals to step up and support those who cannot afford legal representation.
Governor Otti’s comments underscore a troubling reality: many innocent individuals languish in detention because they lack the means to secure legal counsel. He stressed the importance of empathy among lawyers and the need for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.
During his address, Otti also revealed that his administration inherited a staggering debt of over 193 billion naira from the previous government, which adds to the challenges faced by the state. He urged lawyers to leverage the skills and knowledge gained from the NICARAB training to make a meaningful impact in rescuing innocent individuals from prolonged detention.
The NICARAB training program, which aims to enhance the capacity of the judiciary and improve arbitration processes, is seen as a critical step towards streamlining the justice system. Mrs. Shola Osodu John, NICARAB’s registrar and chief executive officer, emphasized that the training would help build the judiciary’s capability and support the Ministry of Justice in managing efficient arbitration and dispute resolution.
Additionally, Mrs. Cleopatra Nkolika Ubani, the Governor’s SSA on legal matters, noted that the four-day training is designed to enhance the skills of legal officers and judges, promoting alternative dispute resolution as a viable method for decongesting courts and detention centers. This initiative aligns with Otti’s vision for a more just and efficient legal system in Abia State.
