By MaryAnn Chukwuma
The Anambra State Government, through the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has announced a new initiative to provide free legal representation for indigent persons facing criminal prosecution in the state.
The Attorney General, Tobechukwu Nweke SAN, disclosed this in a letter to the Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association, Anambra State.
He said that a Regulation has been issued pursuant to Section 24 of the Office of the Public Defender Law 2008, enabling the Office of the Public Defender to engage external lawyers for pro bono services.
The move is aimed at quickening the conclusion of criminal cases and decongesting correctional centres in Anambra State.
Legal practitioners willing to offer pro bono representation to indigent inmates awaiting trial or standing trial are invited to register with the Office of the Public Defender at Old Government House, Awka. Interested lawyers can also call 07030146620* or email [email protected].
This initiative ensures that lack of funds does not deny any citizen access to justice.
“Kindly bring this notice to the attention of legal practitioners within your reach,” the Attorney General wrote.
MaryAnn is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
