By John Austin Unachukwu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Otuocha branch, Anambra State has hailed Governor Willie Obiano for Otuocha High Court being constructed in Otuocha, Anambra East Local Government Area and for setting up a committee to reform the state’s laws.
It made the commendation while inspecting the work at the court complex.
The branch’s chairman, Benson Ikedigwe, praised Obiano for his “developmental strides” in the judiciary.
Ikedigwe noted that the foundation stone of the complex was laid by the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu (retd), on September 3.
According to him, the construction work was moving at a very fast pace.
He said: “As part of what we need to do as stakeholders in the justice delivery system, we came to inspect for ourselves the level of progress of the construction work of a high court complex being embarked upon by the state government.
“We commend the governor for his quest to give us the best in the judiciary. The work is moving at a very high speed, in fact, we are overwhelmed with the progress so far in less than two months.
“We also appreciate Governor Obiano for setting up a committee to reform Anambra State laws headed by Hon. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu (retd). It shows that he is a leader that is concerned about the people’s welfare,” he said.
The branch Vice Chairman Anthony Okafor and Secretary Oluchukwu Udemezue, respectively, expressed happiness at the administration’s effort to build conducive courts to create employment and facilitate justice delivery and dispensation.
“The members of the Bar and Bench, other judicial staff, litigants deserve a conducive environment during justice delivery and dispensation.
“After the structure, the governor has also promised to introduce electronic recorders to assist the judges during court proceedings,” they said.
Former chairman of the branch and President-General of Aguleri community, Mr. Hipo Onwuegbuke, eulogised Obiano for building the court complex and attracting other development projects to the town.
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He also appealed to his community members to be law-abiding in der to escape the arm of the law.
In the same vein, Governor Obiano has urged judges in the state to be dedicated to their duties and deploy their wealth of experience in the discharge of their duties.
Obiano stated this while swearing in two new judges in Awka last week.
“Discharge justice without fear or favour and work hard to help in repositioning the judiciary,’’ he said.
The two new judges are Mrs Victoria Nwoye, who was formerly at the Customary Court, Abuja and Mr Onyinye Anumonye, a private lawyer.
While promising to continue to support the judiciary, the governor enjoined judicial officers to facilitate litigation processes so as to decongest the correctional centres.
He praised the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu and the National Judicial Council (NJC) for making the appointments possible.
Obiano promised that his administration would ensure that judges in the state received their emoluments and other entitlements promptly.
Earlier, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Uju Nwogu, praiseded the government for its efforts to promote the judiciary’s welfare.
One of the new judges, Justice Anumonye, commended the governor for finding them worthy for the positions, describing their appointment as “a call for greater service.”
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