…reels out benefits of State administration’s e-governance
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described adoption of strategic digitalization of the nation’s judicial system as imperative to efficient and quick dispensation of Justice in the country.
Declaring open a three-day top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice taking place at Four-Point by Sheraton Hotels in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno said to “ensure excellent and timely dispensation of Justice for Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Justice and all those saddled with the responsibility of dispensing Justice must embrace innovation.”
Speaking on the topic: “Embracing Innovation for Justice Excellence,” the Governor said the Judiciary and the Federal Ministry of Justice was responsible for laying the legal framework for government and initiating public interest legislation necessary for attainment of a more responsible society.
He noted that through digitalization of case management, Courts can organize virtual hearings and e-filing to help provide easier access and eliminate the accusation of lack of transparency in the manner that the cases are handled.
“The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain technology where cases are stored in an orderly and easily accessible manner, will certainly lead to speedy trials of suspects awaiting trial. This will also help to decongest prisons that have major contentious issues,” he said.
The Governor disclosed that the State’s adoption of the digitalization of its government activities has greatly enhanced and promoted accountability, transparency, and superior service delivery in the State.
“In Akwa Ibom State, we have fully embraced e-governance by first establishing a stand-alone Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. Today, the processes of governance are highly simplified, efficient, and wastages cut off drastically.”
Governor Eno stressed that “in the area of case management, our Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy, is working critically on bespoke digital solutions to manage civil and criminal cases to ease the work of the Judiciary.”
He revealed that in the State’s 2025 budget, provisions were made for three technology-driven evidence rooms in three Police Stations in Uyo to ensure compliance with the administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 in evidence gathering.
“And, 2026 budget proposal will contain provisions for high-tech forensic laboratories. We are currently reviewing a proposal for establishment of the Office of the Public Defender that will allow indigent and vulnerable members of the public to have access to justice in civil or criminal cases at no cost,” he noted.
He disclosed that in the State, procurements, entrepreneurship empowerment, employment into the civil service, and the likes are all processed through the State’s digital portal to ensure accountability, transparency and efficiency, stressing that the forthcoming screening into the State civil service will be fully digitalized.
Governor Eno commended the Federal Ministry of Justice for their great job in the country’s Justice system and for choosing the State to host the retreat.
He urged them to savour the ambience of the State and explore some of his administration’s development strides especially the ARISE Resort, a deadly gully erosion site transformed to a first class resort.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, expressed gratitude to the Governor for hosting the retreat and providing excellent hospitality for them to gather for their strategic deliberations and training.
Hon. Fagbemi eulogized the Governor for his remarkable developmental strides in the State, describing the Governor as a man of exceptional visionary leadership.
Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, noted that the Retreat is basically organized to align the Ministry of Justice with the potential of digital transformation sweeping across the globe in its activities.
At the event were members of the State Executive Council, members of the political class, and captains of industry.
