The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, addressing newsmen in Asaba on Thursday after defending the ministry’s 2027 budget proposal, said it will soon begin prosecuting business owners and public institutions that failed to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras as required by law.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Mr Omamuzo Erebe, said this during an interactive session with newsmen in Asaba, after defending the ministry’s 2027 budget before the State Ministry of Economic Planning. The Mandatory CCTV Cameras and Smart Surveillance Law seeks to enhance public security.
Erebe emphasised that ignorance of the law will not excuse non-compliance and urged businesses and public institutions to install CCTV cameras to enhance public safety.
“The law exists for a reason. It was not enacted merely to pass legislation. There was a need for it, and we intend to enforce it.
“Very soon, some individuals will be prosecuted and required to explain in court why they failed to comply with the law,” he said.
Erebe described CCTV camera installation as an important security measure and stated that compliance should not depend on repeated public sensitisation.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening the state’s criminal justice system to meet international standards.
He stated that the objective is to ensure the Delta justice system can compete favourably with other jurisdictions worldwide.
Assessing the ministry’s performance, Erebe noted progress in litigation, legal capacity development, and defending government interests.
He attributed these achievements to the support of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori and the commitment of the ministry’s legal team.
He described the ministry’s role as crucial to sustaining peace and security and added that effective justice administration is integral to the state’s development agenda.
According to Erebe, the ministry has introduced incentives and rewards for lawyers who successfully handle cases on behalf of the state.
He said the initiative has improved lawyers’ motivation and commitment to securing favourable judgments for the government.
He said: “We organise capacity-building programmes every month to ensure our lawyers remain competent and can distinguish themselves among their colleagues in court.
“Our lawyers are handling their cases effectively, and we are recording favourable judgments for the state,” Erebe said.
He urged the media to visit courts and observe proceedings to assess the quality and performance of the ministry’s lawyers.
He called for increased recruitment of lawyers into the state public service to address the shortage of legal professionals.
He argued that brain drain is not exclusive to the medical profession but also affects the legal and other critical sectors.
Erebe expressed optimism that the State Government will consider the need for additional legal personnel to strengthen service delivery.
Regarding the financial implications of litigation and court judgments against the state, he said he could not provide a specific figure without verified records.
However, he said the ministry is adopting preventive measures to reduce litigation by advising Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with relevant laws.
According to him, adherence to due process will minimise disputes and prevent unnecessary lawsuits against the government.
“The era when people go to court and obtain judgments against the state without an effective legal response is over.
“If government institutions follow the law and take appropriate steps before implementing their decisions, many disputes can be avoided,” he said.
Erebe disclosed that the ministry has organised training programmes for MDAs, including the Ministries of Lands and Surveys and Commerce, on compliance with legal procedures.
He emphasised the need for proper service of notices, including personal service where required by law, to prevent avoidable legal disputes.
He expressed confidence that the ministry will sustain its achievements and improve its performance in 2027.
