By Oluebube A. Chukwu
Major step towards improving the judicial system in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of model court buildings across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. This initiative is aimed at providing a conducive environment for the judiciary to operate efficiently and foster a robust justice delivery system.
The foundation-laying ceremony took place at the Umuene Magistrate Court in Isialangwa South LGA, marking the first of many similar projects set to be replicated across the remaining 16 LGAs. This effort, according to Governor Otti, reflects his administration’s deep commitment to building a community where justice is accessible and effective.
During his speech at the event, Governor Otti emphasized that this project goes beyond mere construction. It represents the fulfillment of his campaign promise to institute a more efficient and functional judicial system that meets the demands of the 21st century. He reassured stakeholders that his administration is determined to work hand-in-hand with the judiciary to create an ecosystem where justice is not only served but is also the order of the day.
“What we have gathered to witness is not just about the erection of new blocks of courtrooms for those who work in the temple of justice. We are here to fulfill a major campaign promise—that under our watch, centers of justice administration in the state shall have a more functional appeal,” Governor Otti declared.
He went on to describe how the construction of these modern court buildings aligns with his administration’s vision of partnering with the judicial arm of government to ensure the swift dispensation of justice. “This initiative is anchored on the common understanding that access to justice is an irreducible minimum in a democracy,” the governor remarked.
The court buildings, once completed, will include state-of-the-art facilities such as lobby rooms for lawyers, rooms for inmates from correctional facilities, spaces for judges and magistrates, natural light, proper ventilation, and the integration of solar energy. These features will significantly improve working conditions for judicial officers and make the courts more user-friendly.
Governor Otti made it clear that the project would be delivered on schedule, and warned contractors that he would not tolerate any deviations from the original design. “Mechanisms have been put in place to monitor the work, and we will not accept any shortfalls from the designed work,” he cautioned.
In addition to his emphasis on project quality, Governor Otti called on the host community to take ownership of the new court buildings and ensure their protection. “This court hall is, first and foremost, the property of the community, and they must do everything possible to ensure that the halls are not vandalized,” he urged.
The governor’s commitment to judicial reforms and infrastructure development was met with applause from key judicial figures present at the ceremony. The Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, described the governor’s action as unprecedented in the history of the state’s judiciary. She highlighted how the project would enhance productivity among judicial officers and expressed gratitude for the governor’s unwavering dedication to improving the justice delivery system.
Justice Abai also affirmed that the judiciary under her watch would continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served promptly and efficiently.
Also speaking at the event was the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary and Public Complaints, Barrister Anderson Akaliro. Representing Umuahia North, he commended Governor Otti’s vision, noting that the project would significantly improve service delivery in the judiciary.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ikechukwu Uwanna, praised the governor’s dedication to addressing the long-standing neglect of court infrastructure in the state. “This project is a testament to the governor’s commitment to efficient justice delivery,” Uwanna stated, adding that the modern facilities would make the courts more functional and accommodating for legal proceedings.
Dr. Elelenta Nwambusi Elele, Mayor of Isialangwa South, also expressed his appreciation for the project, describing the state of the court before Governor Otti’s intervention as “nothing to write home about.” He emphasized the importance of providing a conducive environment for magistrates and judges to perform their duties, commending the governor for his proactive leadership.
The event drew further commendation from members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), with Barrister Eze Nwaegoro, Chairman of the Isialangwa Branch, and his Aba Branch counterpart, Barrister Charles Onuchukwu, lauding the project as a significant milestone. Both men described the governor’s initiative as a step in the right direction, one that would make members of the NBA proud and improve the overall legal landscape in the state.
As construction begins on these model court buildings across the state, Governor Alex Otti’s vision of a more accessible and efficient justice system moves closer to reality, setting a new standard for judicial infrastructure in Abia State.
