Gov. Alex Otti to Construct 1,000-Capacity Digitized Judiciary Complexes in Aba and Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced plans to begin construction of two state-of-the-art Judiciary complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each with a 1,000-person capacity.

The Governor made this known during a thanksgiving service marking the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary, held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Umuahia. He stated that the new complexes will be fully digitized and equipped with high-speed Internet connectivity to support a modern judicial process.

Governor Otti said the new infrastructure is part of his administration’s broader vision to reform the justice sector and align it with global standards.

“I want to align with the theme of this year’s Legal Year, ‘Reforming Abia State Justice Sector in the Digital Era.’ It speaks directly to our goal of transforming the judiciary to operate in a digital environment. I have already approved a request from the Honourable Attorney General to begin the digital transformation of the judiciary so we can move away from the days of carrying files,” the Governor stated.

He emphasized that the independence of the judiciary remains a top priority for his government, citing the recent appointment of judges carried out without executive interference as proof of his commitment.

Governor Otti also disclosed that the construction of 17 new court halls across all local government areas of the state is nearing completion, with most already ready for commissioning and others at advanced stages of work.

The Governor commended the cordial working relationship between the Executive and Judicial arms, assuring continued partnership to ensure justice delivery across Abia.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, described the annual Legal Year celebration as a time for reflection and rededication to justice. She emphasized the need for bold reforms in the judiciary to restore confidence in the justice system.

“With vision, innovation, and commitment, the judiciary can rebuild confidence and restore the speed, fairness, and integrity that justice demands,” she said. Justice Abai also thanked Governor Otti for his administration’s continuous support for the judiciary, especially in the area of digital transformation.

In his sermon titled “Are You Not Provoked by Our Present-Day Justice System?”, The Very Rev. Ernest Onyeukwu, Chaplain of Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, challenged members of the judiciary to confront the challenges facing Nigeria’s justice system.

He urged them to uphold values that promote fairness and to act against injustice, corruption, and the harassment of citizens. “Until we reclaim our judiciary, Nigerians will remain as conquered people,” he said.

The thanksgiving service was attended by members of the Bar and Bench, including the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Okey Nwamoh, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN), and other top government officials.

Governor Otti’s announcement marks another major step in his administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize public institutions and deliver efficient governance through digital transformation.