The long awaited financial autonomy of the state judiciary has finally been granted by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano.

This was revealed yesterday by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi, at the High Court premises in Awka, while handing over 22 air conditioned brand new Ford Focus cars to newly sworn-in magistrates.

Other beneficiaries of the Ford car largesse include retired Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).

Handing over the keys to the magistrates yesterday, Umeadi who was visibly elated hailed the emergence of financial autonomy of the judiciary in the state saying that he was representing the state governor in handing over the cars to the Magistrates.

He said the vehicles would go a long way in assisting the new magistrates in their work of ensuring that justice delivery was not lacking in the state.

“We hope that these cars will assist them in their work, and we also hope that they will make good use of it and always report to work in good time. I am hereby making the presentation on behalf of the state governor to the magistrates,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the benefiting magistrates, the Chairman of Anambra State branch of Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Vivian Udedike, commended the Chief Judge for the acquisition of the vehicles, saying that it was an eloquent testimony of his deserving the award on him by the union as Father of magistrates.

She thanked the governor for granting financial autonomy to the state judiciary.

Udedike also commended the Chief Judge for his open door policy which according to her made it very easy for him to be reached and consulted on matters concerning the state judiciary.

Earlier in her address, the Chief Registrar in the state, Doris Ezeani said it was the first time in the history of Anambra State that the judiciary was taking absolute charge of its affairs, following the financial autonomy granted it by governor Obiano.

She pointed out that such act had in time past pitched the judiciary and the state governments in the country adding that the state judiciary would always remain grateful to Obiano.

“We thank the Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi for his overwhelming interest in staff welfare and in the transformation of the judiciary of Anambra state and also for providing in record time, the funds for the procurement of these brand new vehicles,” she said.

It would be recalled that the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Anambra State chapter had recently embarked on strike, with financial autonomy as one of the conditions for the resumption of work.

On the other hand, the Anambra State Police Commissioner, Hosea Karma, who paid a courtesy visit to the chief judge after the occasion while briefing journalists described Judiciary and the police as senior and younger brothers.

He said he was at the judiciary to work out modalities with them as it concerned lives and property of the Anambra residents.

“I believe we have done well when it comes to security in the state and we need to do more, but with what we have been able to do, the people are happy”

“Judiciary and the police are like senior and younger brothers, we thank Governor Willie Obiano for providing the police in the state with working tools and we are not going to fail” Karma said.

•File photo shows Governor Obiano being conducted round by Anambra Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi, during a visit to the State Judiciary Headquarters in Awka.

Update news