Attorneys in Owerri, Imo State, have known as for a one-week suspension of actions on the Justice Oputa Excessive Courtroom as a consequence of security considerations.
The Chairman of the Owerri department of the Nigerian Bar Affiliation, Barrister Chris Ihentuge, on Friday, addressed his colleagues and litigants on the courtroom, citing considerations about vibrations throughout courtroom sittings.
The courtroom, constructed beneath former Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration, has been suffering from structural points, elevating security alarms amongst authorized practitioners.
Ihentuge defined that the constructing had been vibrating throughout courtroom periods, with studies confirming that each Justice Onyeukwu and one other choose had raised considerations about comparable incidents in current days.
He stated, “I’ve been reliably knowledgeable that whereas courtroom was sitting yesterday, the constructing was vibrating. I made calls to the Chief Registrar, and he or she confirmed that Justice Onyeukwu complained and knowledgeable her concerning the incident. I additionally heard from one other choose that two days in the past the identical factor occurred, and this subject has been lingering even earlier than this constructing was put to make use of; there have been complaints about structural defects within the constructing and we complained, however nothing occurred.
“So, we’re saying for now, we must always droop, not less than for one week, using this constructing till the correct factor is finished. The right factor is to let specialists come and certify that this constructing is match. We can not danger our lives. One week won’t kill us. Allow us to droop actions on this constructing.
“Let it’s on file that the NBA Owerri department has warned attorneys and litigants that it’s dangerous to make use of this constructing as it’s now. That’s the reason we’re complaining {that a} Chief Decide must be appointed for the Imo State Judiciary.”
Ihentuge additionally expressed frustration over the shortage of a Chief Decide in Imo State for practically three months, arguing that the absence of management has contributed to the judicial system’s present difficulties.
He emphasised the urgency of appointing a Chief Decide to handle ongoing points inside the Imo judiciary.
“A state of affairs the place we don’t have a Chief Decide going into three months now just isn’t acceptable. Let all well-meaning Imolites say one thing about this. We can not stay and not using a chief, and that’s what is inflicting all these issues. Who do you complain to?” he acknowledged.
He additional criticised the state of the constructing, saying, “There are many issues to complain about. You can’t stroll these stairs through the daytime and not using a torchlight. Judges should not sitting as a result of they don’t have lights. You take away your wig and robe as a result of there is no such thing as a fan. Nothing is working, and that’s our place. So, this constructing, for now, just isn’t secure, and that’s our place for now.”
Allegations have additionally surfaced suggesting that the construction, initially supposed as a resort, was later transformed right into a courtroom, contributing to its poor air flow and continued darkness.
