Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has officially commissioned the newly constructed Court Complex at Umuene in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, being one of the 17 modern judicial facilities built by his administration across the Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti noted that the commissioning marks the fulfilment of his campaign promises and his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judicial system by ensuring access to justice for all.
The Governor reaffirmed the judiciary’s critical role as the guardian of justice and social order, describing it as “a bulwark against tyranny” and essential to sustainable development in the state.
He emphasised that his administration’s investment in modern, functional court buildings was anchored on the conviction that there can be no real development without unfettered access to justice for every member of society.
“The State Government has invested princely sums in developing modern, fit-for-purpose court buildings across the state on the strength of its conviction that there can be no real development without unfettered access to justice for every member of the society.
“As I announced when we gathered for the flag-off ceremony in 2024, we are not merely interested in having signposts that point individuals to court buildings. The government is determined to build a robust ecosystem that delivers justice to the poor and injured in good time without bias,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti explained that the newly commissioned court was designed to meet modern standards with independent power systems, water supply facilities, IT infrastructure, and management services to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The Governor used the occasion to announce plans for the commencement of the construction of multifunctional, ultra-modern judicial complexes across the state, which will feature 15 standard courtrooms, registrar’s offices, chambers for the Chief Judge, conference centres, and a 1,000-seater multipurpose hall.
He vowed that never again will judicial officers in the state operate from structures that are below their standing and stature as oracles of truth and conscience.
The Governor urged Judicial Officers to remain impartial in the discharge of their duties and warned against compromise and corruption.
He also used the occasion to commend the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), for developing an “excellent framework” that enhances the relationship between the executive and the judiciary, assuring continued executive support for judicial reforms in the state.
In her address, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, described the newly constructed court complex as a significant milestone and a symbol of justice and hope.
She noted that the facility would enhance justice delivery and expedite judicial processes across the state.
Justice Abai expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the judicial system and urged judicial officers and staff to uphold the sanctity and integrity of the judiciary.
In their separate remarks, the immediate past member representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, and the member representing Isialangwa South at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinwendu Rowland, congratulated Governor Otti on the successful completion of the project.
They commended his administration for its results-driven governance and assured that the people of Isiala Ngwa South would continue to support him even beyond 2027.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), commended the Governor for his dedication to building not just physical structures but enduring institutions.
Barrister Uwanna disclosed that the new court complex is fully equipped with digital connectivity, an independent power supply, water facilities, modern ICT tools, as well as facility maintenance and management systems, among other features.
