Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has inaugurated the new State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters complex in Enugu.
The complex is named after a foremost jurist from Enugu State and Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court, Chima Centus Nweze.
Inaugurating the project, Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the complex was constructed by his administration to provide adequate accommodation and the ambience befitting of the headquarters of a State Customary Court of Appeal.
The governor added that the complex was also constructed for efficient administration and speedy dispensation of justice for the benefit of the people of the state.
He explained that the structure has two standard Court Rooms (one on each floor); President’s Chamber; Offices for six other Judges and their support staff; Office for Chief Registrar; Office for Deputy Chief Registrar; Offices for various Directors: Administration, Finance, Research, etc; Offices for ancillary staff; Library and Restaurant/Kitchen, among other facilities.
Stressing that his administration is committed to bequeathing to the state, a Judiciary that is nationally competitive and capable of administering justice in a timely, efficient and accessible manner, Gov. Ugwuanyi stated that “Our modest accomplishments in the State Judiciary infrastructure transformation are testament to this”.
The governor said his administration, to date, has completed the extensive renovation and remodeling with capacity expansion of the State Judiciary Headquarters Complex, Independence Layout, Enugu; one new High Court; 12 new Open Registries; 34 new Model Customary Courts (two in each Local Government Area); Remodeling/construction of Model Court of Appeal, GRA, Enugu; and the new permanent site of the Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, Enugu State.
He revealed that the construction of the High Courts of Justice, Orba and Nike, respectively, are also underway.
Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed optimism that the new Customary Court of Appeal headquarters will enhance the capacity of “this Superior Court of Record to exercise its appellate and supervisory jurisdiction over the 153 Customary Courts in the state”.
According to him, “We have also continued to support the capacity improvement of our Judicial Officers through annual capacity building trainings and attendance of conferences/workshops to update their knowledge and skills.
“All these are intended to improve the infrastructure and human capital of our Judiciary and elevate it to higher level of competence and efficiency”.
Naming the complex after Hon. Justice Nweze, Gov. Ugwuanyi said: “I have approved the naming of this new complex after an illustrious son of the state, an eminent jurist, profound scholar, our jewel of inestimable value, the revered Honourable Justice Chima Centus Nweze.
“This edifice shall henceforth be known as Honourable Justice Chima Centus Nweze Complex, Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters, Enugu State Judiciary”.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of the State Judiciary in promoting the tenets of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, pointing out that “this underlines the peace we enjoy and the progress we have made in the state”.
Consequently, Gov. Ugwuanyi paid respect to the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, the President, State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Chibueze Nnamani, and all the Judges and Magistrates in Enugu State Judiciary for their dedicated and selfless service.
He went further to appreciate the members of the Bar in the state for their industry, thanking the good people of Enugu State for their prayers and unchanging sentiments of solidarity with his administration.
Earlier in his opening address, the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, Hon. Justice Nnamani, expressed deep appreciation to Gov. Ugwuanyi for making yet another history in the State Judiciary.
Hon. Justice Nnamani disclosed that prior to the governor’s assumption of office, “the Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, like the ark of God in the pre-Solomon days of Israel, had no abode of its own” as “we unfittingly tenanted in a section of a building that housed courts at the State Secretariat probably since the days of the District Commissioners (DCs).
Also Hon. Justice Nweze accepted the naming of the complex after him, saying that he is grateful for the recognition.
The jurist thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the special honour done him.
Hon. Justice Nweze commended Gov. Ugwuanyi appreciated members of the State Judiciary for the recognition, saying that “I am prouder that my state, Enugu State is proud of me”.
