*He Must Be Re-elected In 2027 -Health Commissioner Vows
By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has commissioned a new digital court building constructed by his administration, describing it as a giant step in the prioritisation of speedy justice delivery in the state.
Mbah said technological integration, when combined with judicial financial autonomy, which was already in effect in the state, would ensure that the judiciary is not only independent in form, but effective in function.
He maintained that the State Judiciary envisioned by his administration was one that must be independent, efficient, technology-driven, and people-centred.
The governor spoke and also inaugurated the Digital Court Building during the ceremonies and special court session to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Enugu State Judiciary, which took place at the Enugu State judicial complex in the state capital.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Chidiebere Onyia, said the theme of the event, ‘Enugu State Judiciary: Ushering in a New Era of efficient Justice Delivery through Technological Integration and Financial Autonomy’, spoke directly to the drive of his administration, from the outset, to strengthen and modernise governance in the state.
He said the four ultra-modern court halls were designed to decongest existing facilities, improve working conditions, and enhance the dignity and efficiency of judicial proceedings.
“These court halls are not merely physical structures; they are purpose-built facilities equipped with digital recording systems, smart displays, secure data connectivity, and ergonomic designs that meet contemporary standards for modern courts.
“They represent our commitment to creating an enabling environment for justice delivery,” Mbah stated.
In his remark, the Chief Judge (CJ) of Enugu State, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, reminded judiciary officers that the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man, placed upon it the obligation to serve with renewed commitment to the sanctity of the rule of law, absolute integrity and zero tolerance of corruption.
He said the State judiciary embarked on a comprehensive reform in the interest of the people and commended Gov. Mbah for according the third arm of government the needed support.
“It became clear to us that meaningful reform would require more than incremental adjustments. What was needed was a comprehensive rethinking of how cases move through the justice system.
“Our need was met by the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, who at the inception of his administration clearly identified the judiciary as an area of focus and promised transformative and innovative projects for the Judiciary.
“Today, we formally launch a digital justice platform that redefines how cases are filed, processed, heard, recorded and concluded in the Judiciary of Enugu State and across the justice sector institutions.
“This transformation covers the High Court of Justice, the Customary Court of Appeal, Chief Magistrates’ Court, Customary Courts, the Multi-Door Courthouse, the Ministry of Justice, and key public-facing court services including the Probate Division and Affidavit Sections,” the CJ said.
On his part, the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, lauded Gov. Mbah’s giant strides and transformative support to the state’s justice sector, which, he said, had enabled the sector to evolve as a critical pillar of good governance, economic growth and social order.
“In pursuit of the Governor’s vision for a tech-enabled Justice sector, the Ministry of Justice spearheaded a groundbreaking digitalisation drive in collaboration with the Enugu State Judiciary.
“Some notable achievements include innovative digital court solutions like e-Litigation System, e-Affidavit System, Virtual Court Hearing System, e-Probate and e-Lis Pendens (all currently in advanced testing), Enablement of full e-filing, e-assessment, e-payment, and e-assignment of cases.
“In addition, we conducted the recruitment and training of 39 Verbatim Court Reporters to enhance courtroom transcription accuracy,” he stated.
Commissioner Vows Mbah Must Be Re-elected In 2027
In a related development, the State Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ùgwu, has vowed the re-election of Gov. Mbah as he embarks on aggressive and massive All Progressives Congress (APC) membership drive in Nsukka LGA.
Ugwu disclosed this while flagging off e-Registration of APC members in Obukpa ward in Nsukka LGA, which attracted hundreds of APC party faithful and residents of the area.
The Commissioner said that Obukpa ward and the entire Nsukka had benefitted enormously from infrastructure development of Mbah’s administration, including Smart Schools, Primary Healthcare Centres, upcoming farm estates and roads.
According to him, “today, our amiable governor has appointed an Obukpa son as Commissioner for Health Enugu State.”
Ugwu also praised the priority Gov. Mbah has given to SUMAS Teaching Hospital in order to bring tertiary and affordable healthcare to the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone.
He also emphasised the role of e-registration in strengthening APC’s base in Ọbụkpa ward, Nsukka, and Enugu State, and rallied support for Gov. Mbah and APC ahead of 2027 General Elections.
“This e-Registration move links Enugu State to the centre for even more wins in infrastructure development from the national.
“Obukpa ward is ready to enroll and mobilise a large number of voters for APC. This is evident in the crowd gathered here today,” he said.
He assured Ọbụkpa people that Mbah’s re-election in 2027 remained certain, saying “4 + 4 is always 8” formula holds true; adding that the governor’s good works in just two years had set him up for a second term.
The event was a success as the Commissioner, ward leaders, party members and residents registered for APC, showing their support and readiness to re-elect Gov. Mbah and other APC candidates in 2027.
Other prominent leaders at the event included former Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Tony Ugwu; Dr U.P.C. Ugwuanyi; Patrick Ogbenne; Bar. F.C. Omeke and many top leaders in Nsukka LGA.
It would be recalled that the ongoing APC e-Registration is part of the drive by Gov. Mbah, who is the leader of the APC in Enugu State, to strengthen APC’s base, growth and grassroots preparedness ahead of 2027.
*PHOTO CAPTION: The governor’s representative/SSG, Professor Onyia (2nd right) and Judiciary top shots at the occasion.
