Governor Mbah made the statement on Sunday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. Addressing a gathering of legal professionals from across the country, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a robust and effective justice system, describing justice sector reform as central to his governance agenda.
“Let me say this: the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Stand Out, Stand Tall,’ is a timely reminder of the responsibility we bear as lawyers and leaders. The law is not just a profession – it is the conscience of the nation. We are not only courtroom advocates; we are also defenders of truth, architects of peace, and champions of equity,” Mbah told the audience.
Highlighting specific strides made since he assumed office, the governor pointed to the implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary as mandated by Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He noted that Enugu was among the first states to fully operationalize this provision, which he said had improved the performance and independence of the judiciary.
“We were among the first states to fully implement financial autonomy for the judiciary in line with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). This has enhanced the efficiency, independence, and dignity of our courts,” he said.
He went on to outline other initiatives, including the complete rehabilitation and digitization of courtrooms across the three senatorial districts in the state. According to Mbah, the Enugu High Court Complex now features electronic filing systems, virtual hearing capabilities, and an integrated case management platform.
In addition to infrastructure and digitization, Mbah underscored efforts to reduce court congestion and promotealternative dispute resolution mechanisms. He cited the expansion of the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse, which he said has become a model for settling commercial and family disputes across the region.
“To decongest our courts and promote alternative dispute resolution, we have strengthened and expanded the Enugu Multi-Door Courthouse, making it a model in the region for commercial and family dispute settlement,” the governor stated.
He also noted that his administration, in partnership with civil society organizations and the NBA, has widened access to pro bono legal services for underprivileged citizens, particularly in rural communities.
“Through partnership with civil society and the NBA, we have expanded access to pro bono legal services for indigent citizens and detainees, especially in our rural areas. No one should be too poor to afford justice,” he added.
Governor Mbah also spoke of efforts to modernize the state’s legal framework through a thorough review and codification of outdated laws, aligning them with contemporary societal needs, promoting gender justice, and improving the business climate in the state.
Among the justice sector reforms he described as most transformative is the introduction of real-time court transcription.
“Perhaps one of the reforms I am proudest of – we introduced real-time transcription for our courts. Attaining Verbatim Reporting for the courts has eliminated the strain of longhand recording on judges, cut down on delays and improved productivity,” he said.
Mbah made it clear that these reforms are not isolated achievements but part of a wider strategy aimed at making Enugu State a hub for innovation, investment, and equitable development.
“From smart schools, safe communities to accessible healthcare – our vision cannot be achieved without a justice system that is fair, functional, and trusted,” the governor concluded.
The high-profile opening ceremony was chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Dr. Sa’ad Abubakar III. The keynote address was delivered by South African political firebrand and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Julius Malema, who is also a sitting member of the South African Parliament.
