Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Tuesday, inaugurated a new digital court complex in Enugu to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the state Judiciary.
Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, described the construction of the complex as a giant step by his administration for speedy justice delivery.
He said that technological integration, when combined with judicial financial autonomy, already in effect in the state, would ensure that the judiciary is not compromised.
He also said that the type of judiciary envisioned by his administration for the state must be independent, efficient, technology-driven, and people-centred.
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, secured data connectivity, and ergonomic designs that meet contemporary standards for modern courts.
“They represent our commitment to creating an enabling environment for justice delivery,” the governor said.
He said that the theme of the event spoke directly to strengthen and modernise governance in the state.
The theme is, “Enugu State Judiciary: Ushering in a New Era of Efficient Justice Delivery through Technological Integration and Financial Autonomy”.
In a remark, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Raymond Ozoemena, admonished judiciary officers to know that the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man must not be compromised.
“It placed upon us the obligation to serve with renewed commitment to the sanctity of the rule of law.
“It also entails absolute integrity and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.
He said that the state judiciary embarked on a comprehensive reform in the interest of the people and commended the governor for giving 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, Gov. 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,” Ozoemena said.
On his part, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Osinachi Nnajieze, hailed Mbah’s giant strides and transformative support to the state’s justice sector.
“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 state judiciary.
“Some notable achievements include innovative digital court solutions, like e-Litigation System, e-Affidavit System, Virtual Court Hearing System, e-Probate and others,” Nnajieze said.