Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to quickly provide all necessary requirements needed for the appointment of ten high court judges approved for Anambra state by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for improved and quick justice delivery.
Chief Sponsor of the motion Hon. Ejike Okechukwu the mwmber representing Anaocha two constituency stated that the National Judicial Council in her 101th meeting in February 2023, approved ten slots for Anambra State Judial Service Commission, to shortlist for recommendation of the National Judicial Council for appointment as judges of Anambra State High Court so as to enhance speedy justice delivery.
“At present, the number of judges in Anambra State (31) is insufficient to hear all the cases of all awaiting trial inmates, bearing in mind that most of these judges will be retiring soon.
“The salary of all Judges of Court of Record comes from Federal Consolidated Revenue account, thus leaving no pressure on the lean resources of the State.
” Section 13 (8) of the Correctional Service Act 2019 empowers the Controller of Correctional Centers to reject inmates from court when they exceed their capacity.
“All the four Correctional Centers in Anambra State have long exceeded their capacities.
“If the State Government provides Judges Quarters, official vehicles, and recommend through the Anambra State Judiciary Service Commission as required by the National Judicial Council, more Judges will be appointed for Anambra State High Courts and in turn, ensure speedy hearing of cases and delivery of justice.
” If we dont appoint more judges, we are loosing. Anambra state has only 31 judges and most of them are approching retirement age. They cannot exibit what they use to do in their yourhful age.
” The major reason why their is many awaiting trial cases is because we dont have enough judges which made most of them taken to magistrate court.
“When more juges are appointed, more cases will be treated. Justice delayed is justice denied”, Okechukwu submitted.
Speaking in favour of the motion, Hon. Ebuka Igwe, Hon. Obi Nweke, Hon. Jude Umennajiego, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, Hon. Augustine Ike and Hon. Fredrick Ezenwa called on Governor Soludo to do the needful.
