Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has pledged support to ensure residents, especially victims of Boko Haram insurgency, have access to justice.
He gave the assurance during a meeting with Director-General of the Legal Aid Council Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar and his team at the Government House in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Zulum emphasized the need for legal representation for vulnerable people.
“Our people will not be left behind in access to justice, especially vulnerable residents who are victims of Boko Haram insurgency,” he said.
He directed the Attorney General’s office to work with the council.
“The office of the attorney general should collaborate with your office to design a plan to harmonize the Office of Public Defenders and the Citizens Rights Department for the benefit of our people,” he said.
He encouraged the council to submit its requests for review.
“We shall look into your demands and address what we can within the limited resources of the state,” he said.
Earlier, Aliyu Bagudu Abubakar said the council has been providing legal services to insurgency victims and displaced persons.
“From 2021 to 2023, we handled over 2,500 cases, including criminal defense, civil matters, and mediation,” he said.
He requested vehicles, annual subvention, and office equipment to improve operations.
