On the 8th of March, 2024 the Imo State Judiciary officially began its legal year with the theme “stabilizing the wheels of justice delivery in contemporary Nigeria”.
The event started with a high mass at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church with homely given by Fr. Cyriacus Akoronye, Esq which centerd on seeking discernment in the dispensation of justice.
After the mass, a special court, assizes, was held at Hon. Justice .C. Oputa High Court Complex presided by Chief Judge of Imo State Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka-Chikeka.
Barr. Peter Chukwuemeka Mgbenwelu, while delivering his speech stated that there could be strictly no justice delivery if the wheels of justice delivery were rickety, unpopular and devoid of acceptable transparency.
He made mention that the theme chosen was apt as the urge to do the right thing was both compelling and irresistible. Mgbegwelu hinted, that a retired supreme court justice and the chairman body of benchers – Justice Mary Odili, recently had stated that the general public was losing confidence in the judiciary and committee was being set up to look into it.
While discussing on the challenges facing the judiciary, Mgbenwelu stated that the odds which had bedeviled the stabilization of the wheels of justice delivery in Nigeria included but not limited to pervasive corruption, abuse of power, executive suppression and intimidation, as well as insubordination of legal practitioners.
He particularly decried a situation where an administrative worker of the judiciary would compromise and subsequently dislodge official documents from a file which is extremely essential to the success of a party’s case which go a long way in crippling the system thus, leading to unnecessary delays and adjournments.
Continuing, Mgbenwelu said” the legal profession is one of the oldest .The code of conduct within the profession was noble, sacrosanct and almost immutable. The lawyers carried themselves with pride, honor and cleanliness
Her Excellency, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the deputy governor of Imo State representing the Governor Hope Uzodimma, in her brief remarks, said she’s aware that this is a usually a solemn occasion where judges gather to appraise themselves on the outgoing year and brainstorm on taking charge of the incoming year.
She admonished them to ensure they keep up with the good work they have started by ensuring they discharge their duties effectively without fear or favor so that steering the wheels of justice delivery in Nigeria can be well stabilized
The event had lots of dignitaries in attendance and that made it glamorous and colourful.
