The Abia State Judiciary, led by Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, Chief Judge of Abia State, has officially commenced its 2024/2025 legal year.
The colourful ceremony held today at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, commenced with a stirring sermon by the Very Rev. Ernest Onyeukwu. Preaching on the theme “Building from Reproach to Rejoicing: A Man of Difference”.
Rev. Onyeukwu who took his text from Luke 10:25-28, emphasized the challenges that can derail a man from fulfilling his destiny. He identified three primary tactics used by enemies: Destruction, Obstruction, and Distraction, urging the audience to overcome these hurdles to achieve success.
He also underscored the vital role of the judiciary in society, calling on everyone to uphold the principle that “the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.”
The ceremony further proceeded with reflections on the judiciary’s achievements and discussions on how to tackle the ongoing challenges in the administration of justice.
The theme of this year’s event, Advancing Justice in Abia State: Tradition Meets Innovation, encapsulated the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining its foundational principles while embracing modern tools to ensure justice is timely, accessible, and effective.
During her keynote address, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai emphasized the significance of the legal year’s commencement, stating, “The commencement of the legal year is a momentous occasion, not only for the judiciary but also for the broader society, as it casts a spotlight on the administration of justice, the rule of law, and the unique challenges we encounter.”
She highlighted various challenges plaguing the judiciary, including congested court dockets, delays in case adjudication, and limited access to courts in rural areas. Justice Abai stressed the importance of embracing technology to overcome these obstacles, noting that, “Innovation must not only benefit the elite or those in urban areas. Justice must be accessible to everyone, including those in rural or underserved communities.” She further outlined plans to introduce mobile court apps and virtual hearings to make the justice system more inclusive.
The Chief Judge also announced the establishment of Small Claims Courts in Umuahia and Aba, with plans to extend these to every local government in the state.
She described these courts as crucial to ensuring that justice remains accessible to ordinary people without the financial burden of lengthy legal battles. “These mechanisms, when properly implemented, complement our traditional court system and provide citizens with a more holistic and efficient path to justice,” she remarked.
She further talked about strengthening collaborations between the judiciary, bar and government, and also judicial education and training.
His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Executive Governor of Abia State, graced the ceremony as the Special Guest of Honour. In his speech, Governor Otti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of the judiciary.
He commended the choice of this year’s theme, stating, “There couldn’t have been a better theme for this year. I was always worried about the Judiciary, particularly the judges. A lot of them operate in very difficult conditions.”
Governor Otti revealed that his administration had already begun renovating courthouses across the 17 local governments of the state, noting that “We have a prototype, such that by the time we are done when you walk into a courthouse in Abia State, you will know that it is a modern courthouse.” He also emphasized the importance of adopting technology to streamline judicial processes, such as automating court libraries, case files, and documentation.
The Governor urged the judiciary to embrace the new technological tools, emphasizing that training for judges and court staff had already been planned.
“Even though the judiciary is a separate arm of government, the executive has continued to work hand-in-glove to ensure that we have a system that works“, he said.
Speaking with NewsNGR on the challenges possibly faced by the judiciary, Daniel Anya, a legal practitioner from Umuahia, highlighted the need for improved courtroom facilities and welfare for judicial officers.
He noted, “If we have good courtrooms and enough of them, magistrates can sit for four or five days in a week, and by so doing, cases are taken up speedily.” He further called for better remuneration and transportation for judges, adding, “A situation where a magistrate boards the same bus to the court with the litigants and even the suspect is very, very funny. It is unheard of.”
Anya also expressed optimism about Governor Otti’s plan to build 17 model courtrooms, stating, “It’s a welcome development, which I believe by the time these courtrooms are completed, to a reasonable extent, it would help to create more space for magistrates and maybe judges too.”
The colourful event also featured a parade by the Abia State Police Force, and Addresses by Ikechukwu Uwanna, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley A. O Uwachi, Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ukwa branch, and Hon. Anderson Akaliro who lent their voices to the call for modernization and better judicial infrastructure amongst others.