Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has called on his counterparts in the South-East geopolitical zone to collaborate on a joint regional effort to upgrade facilities at the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus.
Governor Otti made the pledge today during a meeting with the South East Law Development Initiative at the Government House, Umuahia. The appeal followed concerns raised by members of the group about the deteriorating state of infrastructure at the Enugu campus.
In response to an appeal by the Coordinator of the South East Law Development Initiative and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education, Emeka Ngige, SAN, Governor Otti directed that a formal request be forwarded to the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, with a copy to him, to facilitate collective intervention by the five South-East governors.
“Write to the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and copy me, so that I can engage my colleagues on possible collective intervention,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor emphasised that upgrading the Enugu Law School is a shared regional priority that would benefit aspiring legal practitioners across the South-East and strengthen the justice system in the zone.
He also commended legal practitioners for their indispensable role in society, stating: “Anyhow you slice and dice it, without the gentlemen of the bar, extending to the bench, the hope of the common man would be dashed.”
Governor Otti further urged lawyers and other professionals to take greater interest in politics and governance, noting: “Little did we know that the decision of the politicians affect you one way or the other, in determining what happens to you.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to education, the Governor highlighted ongoing efforts to establish a modern law faculty at Abia State University, Uturu, as part of broader investments in quality legal education.
Members of the South East Law Development Initiative commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural achievements in Abia State and pledged to support the government through pro bono legal services.
The Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, serves as a critical training ground for law graduates from universities across the South-East and beyond.