Governor Okowa stated this during a special court session to mark the opening of the 2022/2023 legal year at ceremonial hall of the new High Court Complex,Asaba.
The Governor represented by the State Head of Service,Mr Reginald Bayoko commended the judiciary for it's support to the state government and for the new legal year adding that it was an ample opportunity to appraise efforts made in advancing it's mandate in the dispensation of justice.
Senator Okowa said the judiciary in the state had strived to uphold the independence of the judiciary in spite of challenges noting that the state government had continued to give the judicial arm of government the needed support to succeed in it onerous task of upholding the rule of law.
The Governor emphasized the need for every Nigerian to be protected in line the inalienable rights of citizens and the rule of law as enshrined in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria noting that event had provided the opportunity for the judiciary to highlight its achievements and challenges before stakeholders.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Mr Isaiah Bozimo said the Ministry had put modalities in place to strengthen and build the capacities of officers as well as establishing a framework for efficient and effective justice delivery.
Mr Bozimo,a lawyer disclosed that as part of efforts of training of officers,the Ministry had launched a legal skills competency framework for training in advocacy, advisory work,contract drafting and case management.
The Attorney General noted that the Ministry had advanced in discuss to establish an online caselaw and legislative database to offer free public access to all Delta State laws and the judgements of the High Courts .
Mr Bozimo said as part of efforts to improve public confidence in the criminal justice system,the state government had presented the Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill and the Delta State Administration of Civil Justice Bill to the State House of Assembly for legislative action .
The State Chief Judge , Justice Theresa Diai highlighted the achievements of the judiciary in the last legal year in terms of procurement of vehicles for judges and other principal officers and capital projects across the state noting that the Bar and Bench forum had helped in building harmonious relationship.
She disclosed that fifty seven judgements of the state High Courts were upheld at the Court of Appeal and highlighted some challenges facing the judiciary to include lack of basic infrastructure such as courts halls,modern office equipment,shortage of manpower at the lower cadre and under funding .
Justice Diai commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the construction of the new High Court Complex stressing that the task of taking the judiciary to a higher pedestal was a collective one.
Speaking on behalf of the body of senior advocates ,Mr Charles Ajuyah,a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,said the body would continue to engage in purposeful engagement while the Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association,Asaba Branch Barrister Precious Nwadimuya said the court must maintain it standards while lawyers must be professional.
He described the situation where judges talk down on lawyers in court saying it affect their self esteem negatively and makes their client look down on them .
Earlier ,there was a special thanksgiving service where the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his Deputy Deacon Kingsley Otuaro read the first lesson.
