Obiano Increases Judiciary Subventions 100%...As Legal Year Activities Kick-Off

The Anambra State Government is to increase its subvention to the Judiciary by one hundred percent with immediate effect.

Gov. Willie Obiano announced this at St Patricks Cathedral, Awka during the Eucharistic mass to mark the commencement of the 2016-2017 Legal Year in the State, today.

The well-attended church service by the members of the Bar and Bench from within and outside the state, led by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi; the President of the state's Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Samuel Okoye; Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, and the Speaker of the State Assembly, Bar Rita Maduagwu, amongst others.

Addressing the gathering, Gov Obiano explained that the measure was to ensure that the Judiciary is adequately empowered to undertake its functions effectively and to sustain the upgrade of court infrastructure in the state.

The governor noted that the present economic condition in the country has very dire implications for the state especially hunger and increase in crime rate, he therefore pointed out that the Judiciary has a critical role in ensuring that the effects of the recession does not overwhelm the safety of the people.

Describing recession as a time for government to pump money into the system, the governor explained that it was why his administration was spending a lot of money on the "Choose your Project" N20 million naira community development initiative and disbursing the sum of N3.5 billion naira through the Anambra Small Business Agency(ASBA)for Small and Medium Enterprises in the State.

He urged the Judiciary to continue to be at its best in their responsibilities, assuring them of his government’s support.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi in his remarks described the rule of law as the basic pillar for prosperity in any society, said the cordial relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary which he noted has been driven by the Governor's goodwill, would guarantee that the state remains a frontliner in terms of prompt dispensation of justice and adherence to the principles of rule of law and separation if powers.

In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor reminded all legal practitioners that their profession determines the fate of humanity and so reminded them that only faith in God would ensure they overcome the trials and temptations associated with their chosen vocation.

He advised them to see their work as service to humanity.

2: ANAMBRA'S N3.5bn "ALL COMMUNITIES" GRASSROOTS PROJECTS COMMENCES

Kingsley Ezekwelu
The Anambra State Government has already commenced the popular N20million per community, "Choose-your-project" development initiative with Nnobi Community in Idemili South Council Area.

The Town hall project which chosen by the Community and approved under the State Government’s Contract Tenders and Approval System, has a 500 seating capacity, 5 modern toilet facilities, Offices and other ancillaries.

Governor Obiano who personally performed the flag-off revealed that all the 179 Communities in the State would benefit under the initiative. He said the N3.5bn funds for the projects have been made available and secured, adding that the Contractor for the Nnobi project has been fully mobilized to site.

He noted that the next milestone payment would be made once the Consultant certifies the work done.

The governor assured that all the projects would be completed by the end of January next year.

He expressed hope that the project would help stimulate the local economy in the present recession by creating jobs and wealth opportunities for indigenes of the communities, urging the people to take full ownership of the projects.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr Greg Obi explained that the projects were well thought through and the choice and implementation were people-based and hailed the governor’s vision and his strongwill to accomplish his vision.

The President General of the Nnobi, Dr Samuel Ofordile acknowledged that the Community has benefited immensely from the present administration and said the project would immortalize the governor in all communities of the state.

A community leader and medical practitioner from the town, Dr Mike Omenugha said the project when completed, would serve as rallying arena for people of the communities as well as a means of raising funds for the growth and development of the various towns.

The Member representing Idemili South in the State legislature, Bar Chuka Ezenwune in his remarks commended the governor for his genuine commitment towards the development of communities in the State, and assured that Nnobi community will reciprocate his kind disposition towards them by supporting his administration and APGA.

3: 177 ALL COMMUNITIES PROJECTS: OBIANO TARGETS FEB 2017 DEADLINE

By Kingsley Ezekwelu
The Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has said that all the about 177 projects being undertaken by his administration under the N20 million per community Choose-your-project development initiative must be completed by January /February next year.

He made this revelation when he flagged off the Ukwulu Civic Center project which has 400 seating capacity, 6 conveniences and other appurtenances.

He said beside ensuring that government presence was felt across all communities of the state, his administration aims to use the initiative to stimulate economic growth in all the rural communities so as to reduce the effect of the recession on the citizens.

He noted that due to the community's agricultural endowments, government intends to support the farmers to boost their production through the provision of improved seedlings and loans, urging the people to organize themselves in cooperatives to be able to access government's agricultural package.

Reacting to complaints by the people of destruction of their farmlands by Fulani Cattle herdsmen, Governor Obiano assured them that his government has put in place a proactive measure to address the challenge and asked them to always report any such incident to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.

The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr Greg Obi said the project was chosen, was to be built and supervised by the people and is a noble innovation towards good governance.

In his welcome address, the President General, Chief Walter Okafor acknowledged that Ukwulu has a lot if reasons to be thankful to Governor Obiano notable of which is his resolution of traditional rulership issues and recognition of the community's traditional ruler.

In their respective remarks, the Member representing Njikoka Two Constituency the State Assembly, Sir Pete Ibida and the Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Fidelis Okafor described the initiative as compliant with the tenets of democracy as it is driven by tthe people.

Owelle Onyeka Mbaso
SSA Political to Gov. Obiano
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