Posted by thisdayonline on
Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State has inaugurated an eight- man Governing Council of the State Citizens Right and Mediation Centre....
Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State has inaugurated an eight- man Governing Council of the State Citizens Right and Mediation Centre.
The Council, which has the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr Sullivan Chime, as Chairman, is a non-profit service-oriented organisation established under CAP 45 laws of Enugu State 2004.
Speaking while inaugurating the council, Nnamani said in appointing them, government took into consideration their background, professional competence, wealth of experience and knowledge.
He, therefore, urged them to always remember that the rights of every citizen was an important issue in Nigeria and in the whole world.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, said the state government had done everything within its capacity to protect citizens rights with the dividends of democracy, as a way of advancing their rights.
He said their assignment was challenging and charged them to work hard to meet government expectations and improve the general well-being of the people.
Responding, Chime expressed gratitude to Nnamani for appointing them to serve and pledged their readiness to justify the confidence reposed in them.
According to him, "we pledge to do our best, set standard, elevate the center and will not fail."
Mr. Chime explained that the council has the responsibility to provide free legal services in cases involving the down trodden, and the poor who are frustrated and cannot afford to go to court to resolve their problems.
According to him, "the center has the basic duty of helping the poor and the downtrodden who cannot afford high cost of litigation."
He further explained that Section 5 of the law empowers the center to mediate on the issue regarding the general status, tenant/landlord, and family matters, among others, adding that even the rich or anybody who feels that going to court will cost him more in terms of money and time, was free to seek their service.
Mr. Chime praised the State Government for its efforts in extending justice to the masses, adding that since the establishment of the center, they have been visiting the rural areas to settle disputes.
The Attorney General also thanked the DFID for its assistance in building the center as well as its assistance in the take off of the center.
Other members of the council include Mrs. Scholastic Offiah, Director of the Centre; D.K. Ekoh Esq, Chief Magistrate State Judiciary; Ikeazor Akaraiwe representing the Nigerian Bas Association; Mrs. Ngozi Oji representing FIDA (NGO); Mrs. Regina O. Uchay, Director Legal Aid Council; Raymond Nnaji Esq, Commissioner for Special Duties and Chief (Mrs.) Joy Ngozi Ezeilo representing W ACOL (NGO).