The Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra State, has urged the immediate resumption of sittings at the Court of Appeal, Awka Division, which has remained closed for over ten months due to security threats.
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In a statement signed by NBA Anambra State Chairman, Barr. Mrs. Betsy Nnaji, and Secretary, H.O.L. Nzute (Esq), the committee expressed concern that despite significant improvements in security, the court has remained shut.
“Your administration’s (Governor Chukwuma Soludo) proactive approach to ensuring the safety of lives and property is both commendable and reassuring,” the statement read.
It added, “It is against this backdrop that we express our deep concern over the continued closure of the Court of Appeal, Awka Division, for over ten months on account of alleged security threats.”
The court was initially closed due to threats from gunmen who warned against proceedings until the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is released.
However, the NBA committee questioned why the National Industrial Court, located within the same premises, has remained open without incident, while the Court of Appeal remains shut.
“If insecurity were indeed the determining factor, it would be inexplicable that courts in more volatile regions such as Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina continue to sit without interruption,” the statement noted.
The prolonged closure, according to the committee, has denied Anambra residents their constitutional right to access justice, raising concerns that individuals may resort to extrajudicial means to resolve disputes.
They urged Governor Soludo to engage judicial authorities to facilitate the reopening of the court and publicly assure the security of justices and court personnel.
“Access to justice is an essential pillar of a democratic society and must not be compromised,” the statement emphasized.
In addition to appealing to the governor, the NBA Anambra Committee of Chairmen revealed that they had written to the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, urging immediate action to alleviate the plight of litigants in the state.
The letter highlighted that the court’s prolonged closure has caused significant hardship for litigants, leading to prolonged legal battles, increased costs, and a potential erosion of public trust in the judiciary.
“The litigating public fears that if this situation persists, it may lead to dire consequences, including a loss of faith in the judicial system and a resort to self-help,” the letter warned.
The committee further called on the judiciary to acknowledge the improved security situation and take necessary steps to restore normal court proceedings in Awka, ensuring justice is served without further delay.
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