Gov. Otti Commissions Umueñe Court Complex, Reaffirms Commitment To Stronger Judiciary In Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commissioned the newly constructed Umueñe Ultra-Modern Court Complex in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, describing the facility as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to building a strong, independent, and digitally empowered judiciary in the state.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Otti, in a speech titled “The Judiciary Not Left Behind,” said that his government views the judiciary as a critical pillar of development, not just an institution of justice.

He emphasized that his governance philosophy is holistic, placing equal importance on judicial efficiency, infrastructure, and digital access as key drivers of good governance.

According to him, “We consider an effective judicial system as important to the development matrix as quality road networks and efficient power supply systems. An effective judiciary is connected to improved security, better ease of doing business, and increased investor confidence.”

Governor Otti noted that his administration had invested heavily in the construction of modern, functional court buildings across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state to promote access to justice.

“The State Government has invested princely sums in developing modern, fit-for-purpose court buildings across the State, on the strength of its conviction that there can be no real development without unfettered access to justice for every member of the society,” he stated.

He assured judicial officers that they will no longer operate under poor working conditions.

“The summary of my message today is that never again will our judicial officers operate from structures that are below their standing and stature as oracles of truth and conscience,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti also charged judicial officers to dispense justice with fairness and courage, adding that “as we begin a new epoch, everyone connected to the service of justice delivery must rise to the demands of the hour, serving with a fair and balanced disposition.”

The Governor announced that in the coming weeks, other completed court complexes across the remaining 16 Local Government Areas would be inaugurated.

He further revealed plans for the construction of multifunctional ultramodern judicial complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each featuring 15 standard courtrooms, a special courtroom, chambers for the Chief Judge, conference centres, and a 1,000-seater multipurpose hall.

In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, commended the Governor for his visionary leadership, describing the new court complex as a “symbol of justice and hope.”

She noted that the facility will strengthen the administration of justice and speed up judicial processes in the state.

“I thank Governor Otti for promoting judicial efficiency through this project. This is not just a building, it is a milestone that will enhance justice delivery,” she said.

Also speaking, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, praised the Governor for investing in institutions that uphold the rule of law.

He said the new complex is equipped with digital connectivity, an independent power system, modern IT tools, water supply facilities, and a facility management service, ensuring a sustainable working environment.

Other dignitaries, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Okenze Ginger Onwusibe, and Hon. Chinwendu Rowland, lauded Governor Otti for his commitment to governance driven by accountability and development. They assured him of continued support from the people of Isiala Ngwa South even beyond 2027.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by members of the judiciary, legislators, government officials, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

Governor Otti’s initiative aligns with his broader vision of a modern Abia anchored on strong institutions, justice, and infrastructural renewal.