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

Three new judicial divisions have been created in Anambra State
Judiciary by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter N. C. Umeadi.

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.