In an exclusive interview with AF Television, Ikechukwu Uwanna, the distinguished Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Abia State, provided valuable insights into the state’s judicial system, its commitment to merit-based appointments, and the role of mediation in resolving disputes.
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Prioritizing Qualified Judges
Addressing concerns about the appointment of judges, Mr. Uwanna emphasized a pivotal shift towards meritocracy in the appointment process. He proudly stated, “We have a governor who is interested in us doing the right things. His Excellency Dr. Alex Ote-Oefar values merit above all.” Mr. Uwanna affirmed that this new approach represents a stark departure from the past, with merit becoming the sole criterion for individuals aspiring to become judges in Abia State, be it for the High Court or the Customary Court of Appeal.
He emphasized the importance of this change in promoting the value of hard work and industry among citizens. Mr. Uwanna also lauded the Chief Judge of the state, Honorable Justice Lilian Abay, for her unwavering commitment to upholding rules and regulations. He expressed deep respect for her and her role in overseeing the process of appointing judges.
Unveiling the Nuances of Mediation
The conversation then transitioned to the art of mediation—a mechanism of alternative dispute resolution. Uwanna demystified mediation, portraying it as a collaborative process wherein a neutral mediator facilitates conflicting parties in achieving mutually agreeable resolutions beyond the courtroom setting. He emphasized the versatility of mediation in encompassing a wide spectrum of cases and disputes, presenting an avenue for amicable conflict resolution.
Uwanna elucidated the merits of mediation, emphasizing its empowerment of involved parties, promotion of cooperation, and efficiency in achieving resolutions. While acknowledging the novelty of mediation for some, he accentuated its pivotal role in augmenting the judicial process through an alternate avenue to justice.
In his words, “Mediation comes into play in a variety of cases—be it landlord-tenant issues, contractual disputes, or debt recovery matters. Parties can readily access the state’s multi-door courthouse, submitting concise forms detailing their grievances. On the mediation day, the mediator or case manager invites the opposing party, facilitating a review and encouraging amicable resolution. The impressive success record of mediation, particularly in Lagos, speaks volumes. It expedites the resolution of cases that would otherwise burden the court system, culminating in an efficient and cost-effective process.”
Navigating Complex Issues
Delving further, Uwanna tackled the intriguing matter of the state’s establishment of a panel of inquiry concerning the recovery of properties and funds of Abia State. He revealed that the panel is actively constituted, having issued calls for memoranda and petitions. Despite these strides, Uwanna acknowledged the legal constraint imposed by an order from the FCT High Court, restraining specific activities and individuals. The state has responded by lodging processes to overturn this restriction, challenging the jurisdiction of an external High Court over proceedings within another state.
A Glimpse into a Progressive Future
The interview granted an insightful perspective into the pioneering strategies enacted within Abia State’s judicial system under the aegis of individuals such as Ikechukwu Uwanna. His steadfast commitment to merit-based appointments and his profound insights into the realm of mediation attest to a resolute dedication to delivering justice and impartiality to the people of the state.
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