Three new Judicial Divisions have been created in Anambra by the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter N.C. Umeadi.

Flagging off the new divisions at the weekend, Justice Umeadi said they became necessary to reduce the cost of litigation by bringing courts closer to the people, and to decentralise judicial services for better dispensation of justice in the state.

The new judicial divisions are Orumba South with high courts in Umunze, Nkerehi and Umuchukwu (to decentralise Aguata judicial division); Ogbaru judicial division with high courts in Atani and Osamalla (to decentralise Onitsha judicial division); and Anaocha with high court in Neni (foundation laying) to decentralise Awka judicial division.

Justice Umeadi also performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a high court at Achalla, Awka North Local Government Area, in honour of former Chief Judge of the state, Hon Justice P.K Nwokedi, on a piece of land donated by Achalla community. Achalla High Court will complement Awka high courts as well as Dunukofia and Anaocha.

Also at the weekend, Justice Umeadi commissioned two magistrate courts in Achina, Aguata Local Government Area, and Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, while Ugbenu Magistrate Court will be commissioned next week.

Commissioning of Achina Magistrate Court was filled with fun as the Achina famous Mmonwu dance troupe and other dance groups thrilled the Chief Judge and his team. The event was hosted by a well-known Achina philanthropist, Chief Anthony Obuekezie, Ezeunara.

The Achina Magistrate Court was built and donated to Achina Town Union by Anyi-bu-Ife age grade as their outing project. The age grade chairman, Chief Azubuike Ezeonwuekwe, President General of Achina Town Union, Sir Ben Chito Ezeani, and the traditional ruler of Achina, HRH Igwe Godwin Obiorah, among others, witnessed the event.

In an interview, a Magistrate who witnessed the commissioning, A C Peters Esq., described the creation of judicial divisions and decentralising justice delivery as apt and best for the state.

At Achalla unveiling of the stone mark, Justice Umeadi was extolled in glowing tributes by the traditional ruler of Achalla, Igwe Dr Alex Ezeoba Nwokedi, Uthoko Na Eze Achalla. His son, Uche Nwokedi SAN, during his vote of thanks described Anambra State Judiciary under Justice Umeadi as a “cost effective conscious Chief Judge” as the creation of new divisions lowers costs of litigation. He lamented the effects of justice denial which affects democracy.

Awka North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ferdinand Onwuje, appreciated the Chief Judge and Anambra State Judiciary for citing the high court in the area.

Speaking, Justice Umeadi said that the citing of the high court in the area became necessary as courts in Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha council areas have been moved to another judicial division, thus creating a vacuum that urgently needed to be fill for easy dispensation of justice.

The State Chief Judge said that an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) established by the judiciary will be situated in all courts in the state, even as he explained that the ADR will be a unifying point between foreign investors attracted to the state and the people of Anambra.

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