LEGAL YEAR: GOV OTTI URGES JUDICIARY TO UNDERTAKE SOBER REFLECTION

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says he is optimistic that the 2023/2024 legal year in the state will uplift Abia judiciary to greater height.

Speaking during a party to mark the commencement of the law legal week at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the week presented an opportunity for the judiciary to take a retrospect and chart a new course for a way forward.

He commended the existing relationship between the Executive and Judicial arms of government and urged them not to relent in their support for the present administration.

While expressing his appreciation to all, especially to those who attended the event from outside the state, Governor Otti explained that contrary to media reports, Abia State under the present administration is safe and habitable for citizens and investor alike.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Abai, described the event as first of its kind in the history of the state and commended the Governor for his dedication to the welfare of the judiciary.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Ikechukwu Uwana, described the theme of the 2023/2024 Legal year— “Independence of the Judiciary; A Gateway To Democracy” — as apt.

Justice Uwana emphasized the importance of the Independence of the Judiciary in a democratic society.

He noted that the governor had ensured that the judiciary took its pride of place since his assumption of office as the 5th democratically elected governor of Abia state.

Judges of federal and state high courts, visiting judges from Anambra, Enugu, Imo and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Onyeabo Ihejirika, were among dignitaries that graced the event.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU