The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Abia State has called for full judicial financial autonomy, the appointment of more judges and improved welfare for judicial officers and court staff to strengthen justice delivery and restore public confidence in the Judiciary.
The call featured prominently at the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary in Umuahia today, amid concerns over inadequate manpower, funding and working conditions.
In her keynote address, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, urged the Bar and Bench to strengthen their relationship through professionalism, accountability, mutual respect and commitment to justice.
She called on lawyers to uphold ethical standards and avoid unnecessary adjournments, while urging judges to remain impartial, diligent and open to legitimate criticism. She also acknowledged declining public confidence in the Judiciary and called for collaborative efforts to rebuild trust.
Abai highlighted ongoing judicial infrastructure projects, including 17 model courts across the state’s local government areas, as well as plans for major court complexes in Aba and Umuahia.
At the thanksgiving service, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, charged lawyers and judicial officers to dispense justice without fear or favour and defend the vulnerable.
In his sermon titled: “Justice in a Decayed Society,” the bishop urged legal practitioners to resist pressure from the powerful and uphold the rule of law, stressing that their conduct should inspire public confidence.
The NBA chairmen from Ohafia, Aba, Umuahia and Isiala Ngwa reinforced calls for judicial autonomy, better welfare and additional judicial appointments.
The Chairman of the NBA Ohafia Branch, Uma Ezera Oka, Esq., criticised a situation where one judge handles four courts in different locations, warning that it could worsen delays. He advocated improved remuneration, particularly for lower-court judicial officers, and adequate funding for the Judiciary.
Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR Governor of Abia State
Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti announced plans to deliver 10 additional courthouses, with five expected to be commissioned before the end of 2026 and the remaining five early in 2027. He also announced plans for ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each with a 1,000-capacity auditorium.
Otti said the government would terminate and re-award the contract for the delayed Ukwa East courthouse due to poor contractor performance. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Judiciary while respecting its constitutional independence.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, called for stronger cooperation among the Bar, Bench and Executive, emphasising that government must obey court orders and challenge unfavourable decisions through lawful procedures.
He also highlighted three laws signed by Otti on October 19: the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2026; the Criminal Law, 2026; and the Restorative Justice Law, 2026. The laws seek to improve criminal proceedings, protect the rights of parties and promote appropriate non-custodial and restorative justice measures.
The ceremony, held under the theme “The Bar, the Bench and the Administration of Justice: Strengthening the Cords That Bind,” featured a thanksgiving service at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and a special court session at the High Court Complex.
Participants included judges, magistrates, NBA officials, government representatives and other justice-sector stakeholders.
