Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Thursday inaugurated the construction of model court halls in all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. Speaking at the event held in Umuene Autonomous Community, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Otti described the project as a fulfillment of a significant campaign promise.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to justice, regardless of their economic or social status. “We are focused on building an effective ecosystem that delivers justice to the poor and wealthy without bias,” he stated, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with his vision to collaborate closely with the judiciary for the swift dispensation of justice.
Otti reassured that under his leadership, the independence of the judiciary would remain non-negotiable, ensuring that the state government adheres to “the letters and spirit of the law.”
Justice Lilian Abai, the Chief Judge of the state, praised the current administration’s efforts to enhance the administration of justice in Abia through the construction of the prototype court halls. She noted that these facilities would improve productivity and provide a safe and comfortable environment for lawyers and litigants seeking justice.
State Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwannna, provided details about the model court buildings, designed to cater to the needs of stakeholders and reflect current realities in the justice system. Features include a robing room for lawyers, a holding room for inmates, and rooms for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and pre-trial sessions, all powered by renewable energy with adequate natural light and ventilation.
Justice Okey Nwamuo, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, welcomed the initiative, noting that this marks the first time the state government is constructing courts in the LGAs. Previously, courts in these areas were either built by colonial authorities or host communities.
Anderson Akaliro, Chairman of the state House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions, highlighted the government’s focus on the quick dispensation of justice and called for the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to ensure effective execution of the project across all LGAs.