The Anambra State Government has called on legal practitioners to volunteer for pro bono services to support indigent inmates and accelerate the dispensation of justice in the state.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), made the call in a notice issued on April 17 in Awka.
Nweke said the initiative was part of efforts by the state government to speed up the conclusion of criminal cases and decongest correctional centres across the state.
He explained that a regulation had been issued pursuant to Section 24 of the Office of the Public Defender Law, 2008, to enable the engagement of external lawyers to provide free legal representation to persons facing criminal prosecution.
According to him, the Office of the Public Defender will coordinate the process by registering interested legal practitioners willing to offer pro bono services.
“Legal practitioners who are willing to offer pro bono legal representation to indigent inmates awaiting trial or those standing trial are invited to apply to register with the Office of the Public Defender,” he said.
The attorney general urged interested lawyers to visit the Office of the Public Defender at the Old Government House in Awka or contact the office via telephone or email for further details.
He also appealed to stakeholders to disseminate the information widely within the legal community to ensure broad participation.
Nweke reiterated the government’s commitment to improving access to justice and ensuring that no resident is denied legal representation due to financial constraints
