Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, on Wednesday, inaugurated the new ultra-modern Umuene Court Complex, affirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s judicial system.
Speaking at the ceremony in Umuene, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA), Otti said that the judiciary remains the strongest bulwark against oppression and modern-day tyranny.
He said that the role of the judiciary had become even more vital in today’s technology-driven world.
“The judiciary exists as a bulwark against tyranny in the modern world of complex asymmetrics.
“It is important to appreciate that society now operates on multiple power centres,” he said.
According to him, the evolution of technology and the rise of digital platforms have shifted the balance of power, making oppression, harassment, and falsehood more widespread and accessible to anyone.
The governor said that an effective judicial system is essential for safeguarding human rights and ensuring that power serve the people rather than subduing them.
“Without an effective judicial system in whatever form it exists, the human society becomes a jungle, where the strong feeds on the weak and might confers rights,” he said.
He said that his administration had invested “princely sums” in constructing the modern, fit-for-purpose court building, which would also be replicated across the remaining 16 LGAs to guarantee access to justice.
Otti recalled that the State Government began the project on October 3, 2024, and promised its completion within 12 months, a pledge which had now been fulfilled.
“We are here to formally open the doors of this court to serve as an incorruptible temple of justice for our people, just when we said we would,” the governor said.
He described the judiciary as “an objective partner in the push to advance wholesome human experience in the state”.
He urged judicial officers to remain incorruptible and sensitive to the plight of victims who seek justice.
“When these victims run to your new judicial office in tears, do not fail them, for when you do, the villain is emboldened, innocence is lost, and the seeds of treachery spread,” Otti said.
He further announced plans to construct multi-functional, ultra-modern judicial complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each featuring 15 standard courtrooms, conference centres, and a 1,000-seater multi-purpose hall.
Otti promised continued executive support for judiciary reforms and promised that judicial officers would henceforth work in facilities befitting their status.
“Never again will our judicial officers operate from structures that are below their standing and stature as oracles of truth and conscience,” he stated.
He called for collective effort and renewed commitment from all citizens toward building a just, progressive, and prosperous society, anchored on fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility.
In her address, the Chief Judge of Abia, Justice Lilian Abai, described reforms in the judiciary as a bold step towards strengthening justice delivery and restoring public confidence in the system.
Abai said that the edifice marked a historic milestone for the state’s judiciary and symbolised access to justice, hope, and institutional renewal.
She said that the complex had been equipped with modern technology to enhance judicial efficiency, reduce case backlogs, and bring justice closer to the people.
She said that the true value of any court lies not in its structure but in the integrity of those who serve within it.
Abai called on judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of ethics, pointing out that the progress of any nation depends on the strength of its justice system.
The chief judge further appealed for improved welfare of judicial staff, describing it as a necessity rather than a luxury.
The Attorney-General of Abia, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, described the court as a modern, functional, and technological facility built to meet the 21st-Century judicial standards.
Uwanna said that the edifice reflected the State Government’s commitment to excellence and institutional transformation in Abia.
He said that the complex was thoughtfully designed and fully equipped with a functional courtroom, judge’s chambers with a private changing room.
He further said that the facility contained offices for registrars and support staff, a lawyer’s robing room, and a correctional facility holding room for suspects.
He said: “The structure also includes a pre-trial and Alternative Dispute Resolution conference room, a strong room for exhibits, and an information technology room for digital case management systems.
“The court hall has a disability ramp and is powered by renewable energy.
“It is also internet-enabled, aligning the Abia judiciary with global technological trends in artificial intelligence and automation,” he said.
Uwanna also said that similar court complexes were being replicated across all the LGAs to strengthen the judiciary as a pillar of justice, peace, and sustainable development.
He commended Otti for giving the Abia judiciary “a new face and renewed confidence,” adding that the project would contribute significantly to rebuilding faith in justice and democracy.
In their separate remarks, the Lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwuisibe, and his Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency counterpart, Mr Chinwendu Rowland, described the court as a welcome development.
They described the Otti-led administration as functional, people-focused, and committed to transforming all the sectors, including the judiciary.
They assured the governor of their continuous support, praising his servant-leadership style and dedication to improving governance for the benefit of Abia citizens.
Also, a judge of the Abia Judiciary, Justice Chinedu Adiele, hailed the government for transforming Abia’s judiciary.
Adiele said that the development had ended years of neglect of the judiciary and pledged that judges would reciprocate by delivering fair and impartial justice that would make Abia proud.
Truthng reports that the event attracted members of the bar and bench as well as dignitaries from different walks of life.
