The Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi has created new three (3) judicial divisions in state judiciary.
The new divisions were flagged off over the weekend by Justice Umeadi.
Justice Umeadi said this became necessary to reduce the cost of litigation by bringing courts closer to the people, and decentralize judicial services for better dispensation of justice in the state.
The new judicial divisions included Orumba South Judicial Division with High Courts in Umunze and Nkerehi-Umuchukwu judicial division to decentralize Aguata judicial division; Ogbaru judicial division with High courts in Atani and Osamalla to decentralize Onitsha judicial division; and Anaocha judicial division with High Court in Neni (foundation laying) to decentralize Awka judicial division.
Another High Court’s ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a High Court at Achalla , Awka North local government area in honour of former Chief Judge of the state , Hon Justice P.K Nwokedi at the local government on a land donated to the Judiciary by the Achalla community for building of Customary, Magistrate and High courts.
Achalla High Court will compliment Awka High Courts as well as Dunukofia and Anaocha.
As well, Justice Umeadi has commissioned two Magistrate Courts in Achina, Aguata local government area and Nanka in Orumba North local government area while Ugbenu Magistrate court will be commissioned next week.
Commissioning of Achina Magistrate Court was filled with fun as the Achina famous Mmonwu dance competition and other dance groups thrilled the Chief Judge and his team while the event was hosted by a well-known Achina Philanthropist, Chief Anthony Obuekezie , Ezeunara.
The Achina Magistrate court is situated at the defunct Amaiyi Local government area location as built and donated to Achina Town Union by ‘Anyi-bu-Ife age grade as their outing project.
The age grade chairman, Chief Azubuike Ezeonwuekwe, President General of Achina Town Union , Sir Ben Chito Ezeani and the traditional ruler of Achina, HRH Igwe Godwin Obiorah among others witnessed the event.
In an interview, a Magistrate who witnessed the commissioning , A C Peters esq described the creation of judicial divisions and decentralizing justice delivery as apt and best for the state.
At Achalla unveiling of the stone mark, Justice Umeadi was extolled in glowing tributes by the traditional ruler of Achalla, Igwe Dr Alex Ezeoba Nwokedi , Uthoko Na Eze Achalla while his son, Uche Nwokedi SAN, during his vote of thanks described Anambra state Judiciary under Justice Umeadi as ‘’cost effective conscious Chief Judge’’ as the creation of new divisions lowers costs of litigation. He lamented the effects of justice denial which affects democracy.
The Awka North local government Chairman , Hon Ferdinand Onwuje appreciated the Chief Judge and Anambra state Judiciary for citing the High Court since the council has a Customary and magistrate courts.
Speaking, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Umeadi said that the citing of the high court in the area became necessary as courts in Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha council areas have been moved to another judicial division, hence a vacuum that urgently needed to fill for easy dispensation of justice.
The State Chief Judge said an Alternative Dispute Resolution, (ADR) established by the Judiciary will be situated in all courts in the state, even as he explained that the ADR will be a unifying point between foreign investors which governor Willie Obiano has attracted in the state and the people of the Anambra.
Jubilation as Anambra Chief Judge renames Judiciary Headquarters, inaugurates ADR Court House
There was jubilation in the state as Justice Umeadi inaugurated the Willie M. Obiano Anambra State Multi Door Court House at the Headquarters of the Judiciary complex, Awka.
This is coming as Justice Umeadi renamed the State Judiciary Headquarters after Hon Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh, CON, a retired Supreme Court Judge.
The complex henceforth should be referred as Anthony Iguh Judiciary Headquarters, Awka , Anambra state.
The Chief Judge of the State Justice Peter Umeadi who announced this explained that the State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) agreed to re-name the institution after the renowned retired Justice, at its two hundred and thirty seventh (237th) meeting held on 7th August, 2017 after which he wrote Governor Obiano for approval.
He said the renaming shall be for all times.
Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh was the first Chief Judge of the new Anambra State but retired as a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2004, at the age of seventy.
Umeadi said Iguh is the honoured list of Chief Judges of Anambra state and thanked God or his amazing health all this while.
Justice Umeadi further described Iguh as an enterprising judge who served as a motivator to young lawyers and judges.
Hon Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh was full of appreciation for the Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi and his team, praying that he would be honoured at the due time as he has honoured him.
At the inauguration of the Willie M. Obiano Anambra State Multi Door Court House as an avenue for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to numerous cases ordinarily would be abandoned by people sequel to high cost of seeking for justice in regular courts, Justice Umeadi reminded that exorbitant cost of seeking justice in Nigeria has made some indigent people to abandon claims that are genuine and feasible.
He noted that the Multi Door centre is available to the public for alternative dispute resolution, fast track mediation, mini-trial, arbitration among others.
The State Chief Judge thanked the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, and revealed that they have done a good job that will help Ndi Anambra and other residents of the State get justice at ease.
He further commended Governor Willie Obiano for his support which he described as immeasurable in achieving the feat.
He cautioned Judges to be mindful of telling a lawyer that he has no case in a suit before him as it presents the judge as biased in the matter.
He quoted relevant sections that gave powers to ADR which he said is backed by law. He said Anambra state has made the most scientific High Court rules in Nigeria with the latest Order 4 dwelling on ADR.
He urged arbitrators for the ADR open door multi-court house led by its Director , Lady Chimezie Obiayo to build the people’s confidence in ADR by using persuasion in resolving issues by being disciplined, fair, just and corrupt free.
The Chief Judge later presented to the public three books containing guides to dispensation of justice in Anambra state including Anambra state Multi Door Court rules, Anambra state Magistrate Court rules and Anambra state High Court rules.
Chief Judge swears in 2 Customary Court Presidents, 68 Members
In another development, Umeadi also swore in two Presidents of the Anambra state Customary court and 68 members of the state Customary court with a charge to live above board at all times.
The two Presidents sworn in were Ikekwuibe Chiemerie Dorcas Esq and Chinwe Okagbue Adindu Esq. This brings to 33 the number of Presidents of the State Customary court after 3 were elevated to DCR.
The Chief Registrar of Anambra state Judiciary, Your Honour Chinyere Ossy-Okoye presented the Presidents and 68 members to the Chief Judge for swearing in and taking of oath of office as assisted by the Executive Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, Anambra state, Your Honour, Stanley Mbanaso.
Some of the members sworn in were Oby Winifred Okoli, Justina Chinenye Iloghalu, Ezeminike Francisca, Ezemenike F.E among others.
Justice Umeadi after swearing in cautioned them on the need not to compromise their status but to always ask questions and read up the laws to do a good job since according to him hard work does not kill but rather pays.
He encouraged them to shun all forms of bribery and corruption to avoid denting the image of Anambra Judiciary but to not only work together as a team but be truthful and honest.
The Anambra state Chief Judge noted that their working environment isn’t the best for now but everything is being done to restore the infrastructure as done the Magistrate courts that used to be eyesore.
He as well encouraged them to be neat particularly men and since one is addressed as he is dressed, reminding them that Customary court is very important aspect of Jurisprudence because they are working at the grassroots hence the Customary Court is having the load in criminal justice in Nigeria.
They were advised not to indulge in too much talk or confusing issues but to keep straight to the issue at stake , resoling it to the satisfaction of the litigants.
Commending the Chief Judge for their elevation on behalf of the Presidents of Customary court, Ikekwuibe Chiemerie Dorcas Esq and Ekwebenem Rose on behalf of the members assured that they would stop at nothing in assisting in advancing the role of Judiciary in dispensation of justice delivery in the state.