Governor Otti Reaffirms Commitment To Establishing A Just Judicial System In Abia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a fair and efficient judicial system. This pledge was made during the opening ceremony of a four-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) at Sun Heaven Hotels in Umuahia. Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of arbitration as a speedy means of resolving disputes and urged its adoption by the business community.
Governor Otti highlighted his administration’s focus on the training and retraining of officers in state ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), noting that the development of senior judicial officers is essential for building a just judicial system in Abia. He criticized the current situation where many individuals remain in detention without trial, emphasizing the need for justice to be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. He encouraged lawyers to show empathy and defend the innocent who cannot afford legal representation.
The Governor also disclosed that the current administration inherited a debt of over 192 billion naira from the previous government and assured that efforts are underway to address it. He called on Abians to continue supporting the present government.
The Registrar and CEO of NICArb, Mrs. Shola Osodu John, commended Governor Otti’s administration for its significant investments in infrastructure, electricity, security, health, and education, which have attracted both local and foreign investors. She mentioned that NICArb, established in 1979 and boasting over 6,000 members, has been at the forefront of promoting arbitration in Nigeria. She expressed optimism about expanding the partnership with the state to include establishing a Multi-Door Court and an arbitration core in the South East of Nigeria.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Cleopatra Nkolika Ubani, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Otti on Legal Matters, thanked the Governor for approving and sponsoring the workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of legal officers and judges in alternative dispute resolution. She emphasized that the training is a fulfillment of Governor Otti’s manifesto pledge to support the judiciary in decongesting the courts through alternative dispute mechanisms.
The Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Barr Ikechukwu Uwanna, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Paul Ogubunka, expressed gratitude to the Governor for his partnership with the state judiciary in providing a just judicial system.
The event was attended by members of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, the Attorney General, Justice Lilian Agbai (represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice), directors of the Abia State Ministry of Justice, members of the State High Court, resource persons, and other dignitaries.
