DECONGEST IMO PRISONS -GOV. OKOROCHA URGES NEW JUDGES
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has urged the Judiciary to assist in decongestion of prisons through quick dispensation of justice.
The Governor gave the charge while swearing in eight newly appointed Judges for the state high court and Customary Court of Appeal.
Six out of the eight judges that took oath of office and that of allegiance were for the state high court while the remaining two were for the customary court of appeal.
Speaking at the event which took place in government house Owerri, Monday,Governor Rochas Okorocha expressed worry over the increasing number of inmates awaiting trial at the Owerri Prisons. He urged the Judges to be fair at all times while ensuring timely dispensation of justice.
He regretted that many accused persons had spent more than ten years in prisons without trial, thereby congesting the prisons, a situation he said could lead to jail break.
Governor Okorocha also stressed the need for Judges to collaborate with traditional rulers in finding alternative ways of disputes resolution.
Speaking on behalf of others, Justice Fred Njemanze of the state high court promised to discharge their duties without fear or favour.
According to him, the Judges are aware of the expectations of the people and cannot let them down.
The event was attended by dignitaries including the state Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, Chief Judge of the State Justice Paschal Nnadi and the President Customary Court of Appeal Justice Pius Okpara.
