In just two years, gunmen wrecked twelve Imo courts. – CJ
Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, the chief judge of Imo State, stated that in the previous two years, gunmen had lost no less than 12 courts in the state.
In just two years, gunmen wrecked twelve Imo courts. – CJ
At the opening ceremony for the 2023–2024 legal year, which took place at the Hon. Justice Chikwudifu Oputa Court Complex in Owerri, the jurist disclosed this information.
The flag-off was conducted by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was accompanied by his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomanu.
The Chief Justice went on to say that the state’s court remained gravely concerned about insecurity.
According to Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, the lack of security has caused the Imo State judiciary to lose manpower, infrastructure, and man-hours.
“Like with other aspects of our lives, especially in the last few years, it has emerged as the most pressing issue facing the judiciary,” she stated. As a result, there have been man-hour, infrastructural, and human losses. The judiciary has lost around twelve courts in the previous two years alone.
Chukwuemeka-Chikeka did, however, mention the following courts as being impacted by the unidentified gunmen’s siege: Magistrate Court Okpala; Customary Court Umunneke; High Court Etiti; and Customary Court Ihioma.
She continued by saying that the Magistrate Court in Ubulu, as well as the High Courts located in Orlu and Oguta, respectively, were also impacted in 2023.
She exhorted attorneys to carry out their responsibilities with greater care and attention.
“It is true that safety is with the Lord, but each and every one of us must exercise great diligence and vigilance in order to combat this menace,” she exclaimed.
As he began the 2023–2024 legal year, Uzodimma pledged to keep the state’s legal system operating smoothly and referred to the court as the last resort for the average person in society.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to working with the courts to protect the rule of law in the state.
