In a bid to ensure smooth and effective delivery of justice, the executive governor of Abia state Dr Alex Otti has launched the construction of modern court buildings in all 17 local governments area of the state.
Otti who was at Umuene, Isiala Ngwa South LGA on thursday for the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of modern court Buildings in the 17 Local Government area council of the state reinstated his commitment to overhauling the judicial system in the state with state of the art facilities which will make dispensation of justice seamless and efficient.
He stated that his administration is Commited to building a society where there is access to justice for persons of all economic and social backgrounds.
According to the Governor collaboration with the state judiciary and other relevant stakeholders is in top gear to build an effective ecosystem that delivers justice in good time to the poor and wealthy without any form of bias.
“What we have gathered to witness is not just about the erection of new blocks of courtrooms from where those who work in the temple of justice can perform their day-to-day activities; we have come to fulfil a major campaign promise that under our watch, centres of justice administration in the State shall have a more functional appeal in view of the importance of the judiciary as a major anchor of our civilisation.
” To ensure that these projects are self-sustaining, we have incorporated renewable energy and water supply mechanisms into the structures, the IT-support system shall be best-in-class and all the resources needed to support the work of the judicial officers have been incorporated into the project design.
The state chief executive maintained that under his watch, independence of the judiciary is sacrosanct and non -negotiable because we are a government that is driven by the letters and spirit of the law and equally boasted that no support has been withheld from the Judiciary ever since he stepped in as the governor.
-
![]()
Gov Otti performing the foundation laying ceremony
“Through our support, several judicial officers in the State now have unfettered access to the most recent literature and resources relevant to their roles. We have also supported their participation at local and international conferences and symposia because we want our judicial officers to appreciate the dynamic trends and evolution of their practice”.
He thereafter thanked the chief Judge of the state Justice Lilian Agbai for her wonderful and spirited efforts in revamping the state Justice system .”On account of the diligent efforts of the Chief Judge, several courts in the State are aleady wearing a new look through structural repairs, replacement of worn-out furniture and sincere interest in the welfare of the judicial personnel in the State” the governor boasted.
The state attorney general and commissioner for justice Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna was also not left out as the governor commended him for his commitment in strengthening the pattern of mutually respectful relationships between the executive and judicial arms of government.
“through the support and guidance of the attorney general’s office Abia has become a model of harmony and interdependence between the executive and the judiciary in ways that leverage the principle of separation of powers to strengthen and not constrict the scope of effective governance and administration“.
The ex bank Ceo promised to make sure that the contractors handling the project delivers a quality work as anything short of standard would not be tolerated at all.he equally advised the people to always support the government in their only little ways through paying of taxes and making sure that government properties and facilities are not tampered with or vandalized.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai said that the flagging off of the new court halls by the Governor is unprecedented in the state judiciary, saying that it would enhance productivity among judicial officers.
Justice Agbai commended Governor Otti for his commitment towards justice delivery in the State and assured that the Judiciary would uphold the rule of law.
In his speech, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary and Public Complaints of Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia North, Barr. Anderson Akaniro lauded the efforts of the Governor and said that it would it improve in the service delivery of the judiciary.
Also speaking, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna recalled the status of the court halls in the State and its neglect for decades and said that the project is a testament of the Governor’s commitment to efficient justice delivery.
He said that when completed, the court halls would have a lobby room for lawyers and a room for inmates from the correctional facilities with provision for Judges or Magistrates as well as legal assistants, natural light, ventilation, solar energy among others.
