Seeks adequate judicial infrastructure
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Aba Branch, Mr. Charles Onuchukwu, has expressed concern over the lack of appointment of judges and the dilapidated state of courtrooms in Abia State, which he says are frustrating the delivery of justice in the state.In an interview with newsmen, Onuchukwu disclosed that the High Courts have fewer judges, while the magistrate courts lack adequate courtrooms to sit and hear cases. This situation has led to a backlog of cases, with many suspects languishing in correctional centers without trial.
Onuchukwu explained that the appointment of new judges has been put on hold due to a pending lawsuit filed by certain individuals against the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Chief Judge, and the Attorney General of Abia State. The suit, which is currently on appeal, has prevented the NJC from announcing new appointments since 2021.
The NBA chairman further noted that the spaces left by retired judges in Abia State have not been filled, exacerbating the problem. He stated that if it were not for the recent extension of the retirement age for judges, the situation would have been even more embarrassing, with the state potentially having only three to five judges.
Onuchukwu highlighted the uneven distribution of courts across the state, with some areas like Obingwa having only one High Court, while Osisioma-Ngwa and Ugwunagbo divisions are served by just two judges. The situation is similar in Ukwa East and Ukwa West, where a single judge handles cases from both local governments.
In the case of magistrate courts, Onuchukwu pointed out that the biggest challenge is the lack of courtrooms. Some courts have to sit in the afternoon, while others alternate between morning and afternoon sessions.The NBA chairman revealed that the five branches of the association in Abia State are looking into the matter and will soon take a decision on how to address the issues. He called for the resolution of the pending lawsuits to enable the
appointment of new judges and the construction of more courtrooms to facilitate the efficient delivery of justice in the state.
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