ABIA — Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to flag off the construction of two ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia next month, alongside the commissioning of 10 newly built courthouses across Abia State.
Governor Otti made the announcement during a Thanksgiving Service held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary. The service had as its theme, “The Bar, the Bench and the Administration of Justice: Strengthening the Cords That Bind.”
The Governor disclosed that five of the 10 courthouses would be commissioned before the end of this year, while the remaining five would be commissioned next year. He added that each of the proposed ultra-modern court complexes would feature an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,000 people.
Noting that his administration remained committed to providing judicial officers with a conducive working environment, Governor Otti attributed the delay in completing the Ukwa East courthouse to the contractor’s poor performance. He disclosed that the government had cancelled the contract and would re-award it to a new contractor to ensure the project’s completion.
Governor Otti further stated that his administration would sustain the digitalisation of government processes across the executive, legislative and judicial arms to improve efficiency and make public services more accessible to citizens.
He assured that the government would continue to provide the necessary support for the effective administration of justice while respecting the judiciary’s constitutional independence as a critical arm of government.
The Governor stressed that cooperation among the three arms of government must not undermine their respective constitutional responsibilities, adding that his administration would maintain clear boundaries in its dealings with the judiciary and legislature.
He commended the judiciary for its cooperation with his administration, particularly in upholding due process, noting that both the executive and the judiciary shared a commitment to ensuring that government business was conducted in accordance with established procedures.
The Thanksgiving Service, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibabuchi, was attended by members of the State Executive Council, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, judges of the Abia State Judiciary, chief registrars, magistrates, chairmen of customary courts, and members of the Bar and Bench.
