Judiciary
JUSTICE Victoria Isiguzo, the Administrative Judge of Mbano/Etiti Judicial Division, has charged the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association to ensure security around the courts in the area.
Isiguzo gave the charge on Friday, while inaugurating the new executive officers of the association in the division.
She expressed concern over the recent burning of a High Court in the division by unidentified gunmen.
She expressed worry that the court was temporarily moved to High Court, Owerri, after the attack.
Isiguzo said the development had caused serious hardship to litigants.
She described insecurity as the major challenge facing the division and urged the new executive of the association to engage relevant authorities to deal with the situation.
“I’m particularly woried about the security situation in Etiti judicial division.
“Recently, hoodlums attacked the court and we lost sensitive documents.
“We have 600 cases from Etiti and 400 cases from Mbano all still pending.
“I don’t know how we can manage the situation with the manpower and security challenges.
“You must deploy all your contacts to ensure that the courts in your jurisdiction are upgraded because judges must work in a conducive environment to give in their best,” Isiguzo said.
In an acceptance speech, the new Chairman of the branch, Mr Richard Anyawu, called for declaration of a state of emergency on security in the area.
Anyanwu said since the Etiti high court was moved to Owerri due to insecurity, litigants had suffered untold hardship, while seeking for justice.
“Governmet should declare a state of emergency in the division and Imo in general because there are many cases in the division and the cost of prosecuting them in Owerri is disabling to litigants.
“I will revive human rights awareness in the rural communities, with strong partnership with traditional rulers.
“My administration will give voice to the voiceless and strong support to young lawyers and female lawyers,” Anyawu said.
He also pledged to build a new Bar Center through partnership with corporate organisations, adding that he would run an all inclusive administration.
NAN
– July 16, 2021 @ 17:08 GMT /
Tags: Isiguzo urges greater security around Imo courts
