Anambra Creates 3 More Judicial Divisions, Commissions High Courts, Magistrates

The new divisions were at the weekend flagged off by Justice Umeadi. Justice Umeadi said this became necessary to reduce the cost of litigation by bringing courts closer to the people, and decentralize judicial services for better dispensation of justice in the state. The new judicial divisions included Orumba South Judicial Division with High Courts in Umunze and Nkerehi-Umuchukwu judicial division to decentralize Aguata Judicial Division; Ogbaru Judicial Division with High Courts in Atani and Osamalla to decentralize Onitsha judicial division; and Anaocha judicial division with High Court in Neni (foundation laying) to decentralize Awka Judicial Division. Another High Court’s ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a High Court at Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area in honour of former Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice P. K. Nwokedi at the local government on a land donated to the Judiciary by the Achalla community for building of Customary, Magistrate and High courts. Achalla High Court will compliment Awka High Courts as well as Dunukofia and Anaocha. As well, Justice Umeadi has commissioned two Magistrate Courts in Achina, Aguata local government area and Nanka in Orumba North local government area while Ugbenu Magistrate court will be commissioned next week. Commissioning of Achina Magistrate Court was filled with fun as the Achina famous Mmonwu dance competition and other dance groups thrilled the Chief Judge and his team while the event was hosted by a well-known Achina Philanthropist, Chief Anthony Obuekezie, Ezeunara. The Achina Magistrate court is situated at the defunct Amaiyi Local Government Area location as built and donated to Achina Town Union by ‘Anyi-bu-Ife age grade as their outing project. The age grade chairman, Chief Azubuike Ezeonwuekwe, President General of Achina Town Union, Sir Ben Chito Ezeani and the traditional ruler of Achina, His Royal Highest Igwe Godwin Obiorah among others witnessed the event. In an interview, a Magistrate who witnessed the commissioning, A. C. Peters Esq, described the creation of judicial divisions and decentralizing justice delivery as apt and best for the state. At Achalla unveiling of the stone mark, Justice Umeadi was extolled in glowing tributes by the traditional ruler of Achalla, Igwe Dr Alex Ezeoba Nwokedi, Uthoko Na Eze Achalla while his son, Uche Nwokedi SAN, during his vote of thanks described Anambra state Judiciary under Justice Umeadi as “cost effective conscious Chief Judge’’ as the creation of new divisions lowers costs of litigation. He lamented the effects of justice denial which affects democracy. The Awka North local government Chairman, Honourable Ferdinand Onwuje appreciated the Chief Judge and Anambra state Judiciary for citing the High Court since the council has a Customary and magistrate courts. Speaking, the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Umeadi said that the citing of the high court in the area became necessary as courts in Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha council areas have been moved to another judicial division, hence a vacuum that urgently needed to fill for easy dispensation of justice. The State Chief Judge said an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) established by the Judiciary will be situated in all courts in the state, even as he explained that the ADR will be a unifying point between foreign investors which governor Willie Obiano has attracted in the state and the people of the Anambra.]]>