Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, says he signed 18 executive bills into law within one year in office.

He also disclosed that his administration employed 150 judicial staff to boost manpower needs of the judiciary in the state.

The governor made this known at the high court premises during this year’s 2024/2025 legal week of the state judiciary, with the theme, ‘Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering’.

He described the judiciary as the lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens.

Nwifuru enjoined members of the judiciary to continue to meet the demands of court users and the general public and remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties and brace up for the challenges ahead.

Speaking at the event, he said, “Today’s theme, ‘Law as an Instrument for Social Engineering&, speaks directly to the transformative power of the law in guiding our society towards progress, equity, and justice.

“I commend the organisers in re-echoeing the power of law which our government wholeheartedly believes is critical to social engineering.

“In the context of law, it is critical in shaping societal behavior, norms, and values.As social engineers, legal professionals have the power to advocate for reforms that address the pressing issues of our time, setting the foundation for a society that is equitable and just for all.

“For me, the Judicial Arm of the Government remains the only and lasting beacon of hope, fairness and justice to all citizens, while the legal profession has a vital role to play in promoting the cause of Justice, protecting human rights and upholding professional standards.

“It is for this purpose that the Government of Ebonyi State has been quite responsive, supportive and understanding in many issues that affect the Judiciary.

“The Ebonyi State Government also gave approval to the Judicial Service Commission to recruit 150 judiciary staff to boost the manpower needs of the Judiciary. I am able to testify that the present Government of Ebonyi State even though one year in the office has been consistent in the enhancement of the conditions of service of the Judicial officers and staff.

“I want to assure that within the limits of our resources, we shall continue to strive to improve upon the welfare of our Judges, Magistrates and indeed the entire workforce of the Court.

“In the area of law-making, it is on record that under our young Administration, Executive Bills that touch on the welfare of the citizens and good governance were prepared and transmitted to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, passed into Law and Assented by me, including Ebonyi State Correctional Services Law, 2024 and Chief Registrars (Harmonization with Permanent Secretaries) Law, 2024.

“My Government also facilitated the establishment of Ebonyi State Multi-Door Court House. Again, Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Office of Public Defender were also established and domiciled within the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice.

“I want to enjoin the judiciary as an Institution to continue to strive to meet the demands of courts users and the general public, to remain steadfast in the discharge of your duties of adjudications in meeting with the expectations of the society and generally to brace up for the challenges ahead.

“Though we are autonomous arms of the same government, I must emphasize that our success as a government lies more in our inter-dependence and collaboration, which must be undertaken without hindering the independent discharge of our different functions.

“I want to assure you of my continuous support and partnership as the judiciary discharges its statutory responsibilities.”

Ebonyi: Nwifuru signs 18 executive bills, recruits 150 Judiciary