The Enugu State Ministry of Justice has unveiled plans for far-reaching institutional reforms aimed at strengthening internal systems and accelerating justice delivery across the state.
The new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, made this known on Monday during his maiden meeting with staff of the ministry, held shortly after a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Augustine Otugo at the ministry’s premises.
Barr. Nnajieze told staff that the reform agenda would be anchored on four key pillars: mandate, attitude, reform, and welfare.
He stressed that under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, the Ministry of Justice must operate as a quality-assurance centre for justice delivery, remaining proactive in addressing emerging legal and administrative challenges while upholding strict adherence to due process.
The Attorney General, who previously served as Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, disclosed that the governor had directed that no Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) should enter into contractual agreements without the active involvement of legal officers from the Ministry of Justice at the negotiation stage.
According to him, the measure is designed to minimise unnecessary litigation and shield the state from avoidable legal exposure.
He further revealed that the reforms would include the development of a more effective juvenile justice framework, enhanced tracking and monitoring of cases at Magistrate Courts, the deployment of a functional civil case-management system, and faster transmission of case files from the police to prosecutors to reduce delays and improve prosecutorial efficiency.
Barr. Nnajieze added that capacity-building programmes would be introduced to boost staff competence, while the reform process would also lead to improved welfare, better working conditions, and an upgraded work environment.
“Significant changes are already underway in the ministry. The goal is to transform the environment to reflect the dignity of the legal profession. Facilities will be upgraded because the quality of our workspace affects our output. Lawyers must be treated with dignity. History rewards those who commit themselves to improving society,” he said.
He also cautioned against absenteeism and lax work habits, noting that new monitoring systems would be introduced to end the practice of staff signing in and leaving for personal engagements, only to return at closing time.
“That era is over. As the legal face of the state, we must set the standard, both in our conduct and in the discharge of our responsibilities,” he added.
In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barr. Ikechukwu Ezenwukwa, welcomed the Attorney General and endorsed the reform agenda.
He assured that staff would give full cooperation in delivering the governor’s mandate, warning that management would not hesitate to discipline any officer found wanting.
“We must change our attitude to work and treat our responsibilities with the seriousness they deserve. Our dressing and conduct must reflect the dignity of our profession. Reports of inappropriate conduct, even outside the ministry, will no longer be tolerated. Every officer must work with diligence and courage, without fear or intimidation,” he said.
