Terrorists to be held accountable —Jonathan

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, weekend, commissioned the Federal High Court complex, Asaba, Delta State, saying that all perpetrators of terrorist acts in the country would be held accountable.

According to the President, the presence of Federal High Courts in virtually every state of the

federation is a good development as it would bring justice closer to the people, adding: “This is in tandem with this administration’s determined efforts to expand access to justice for the people and ensure that Nigerians are able to access the courts for the purposes of resolving their disputes.”

The President, who spoke through the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, commended the Chief Judge and other judges of the court “for their hard work and immeasurable support for this administration’s resolve to hold accountable all the perpetrators of terrorist acts across the country.

“I have been duly informed that the practice directions issued by the court have contributed significantly to the reduction of trial delays and engendered speedy trial of terrorism and allied offences. It is my fervent hope that this edifice will further provide the necessary conducive environment for the court to excel in the discharge of its adjudicatory function.”

Jonathan also commended the Federal High Court for its implementation of innovative reform measures aimed at expanding access to justice and bring same closer to Nigerians.

He observed that the access to High Court by Nigerians would not have been possible “if deliberate steps were not taken to ensure the presence of the court in virtually every state in the federation.”

In his speech, Governor Uduaghan thanked the Federal Government for creating the Asaba Division of the Federal High Court in the state.

In particular, he commended the erection of the High Court Complex, stressing that it “was built by the Federal Government and not the Delta State Government. The only contribution of the Delta State Government was the provision of land for this edifice.”

Uduaghan assured President Jonathan of the state government’s commitment to partnering the Federal Government in its developmental efforts

-Vanguard News