Abia State Governor Alex Otti has expressed concern over the plight of numerous innocent detainees who remain in custody without access to justice due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a training program by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICARAB) in Umuahia, Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy Ikechuckwu Emetu, highlighted the necessity for lawyers to defend those unable to afford legal representation.
Governor Otti emphasized the importance of ensuring that justice is accessible to all, urging legal professionals to show empathy and assist indigent detainees.
He underscored the role of all stakeholders in upholding the rule of law within the democratic framework of Abia State.
The governor also noted that his administration inherited over 193 billion naira in debt from the previous government.
Mrs. Shola Osodu John, the Registrar and CEO of NICARAB, stated that the training aims to build the capacity of the judiciary and support the Ministry of Justice in facilitating smooth arbitration.
Additionally, Mrs. Cleopatra Nkolika Ubani, the SSA to the governor on legal matters, mentioned that the 4-day training seeks to enhance the capabilities of legal officers and judges in alternative dispute resolution, thereby aiding in the decongestion of courts and detention centers.
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