The President of the Nigerian Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, on Wednesday, inaugurated a division of the court at Awka, the Anambra state capital, assuring that it would focus on bringing accountability and quick dispensation of justice with neither fear nor favour.
Bulkachiwa, who said the new division would not only help to decongest cases at Enugu Division of Appeal Court but shall bring justice closer to people, stressed that its panel members were thoroughly selected and comprise of dedicated Justices.
She, however, regretted that even though Court of Appeal had recorded increase in numbers rising from 3 divisions in 1976 to 20 in 2020, its budget envelope was static, and appealed for improved budgetary allocation for optimum service delivery.
On his part, the Anambra State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, described it as a milestone in the history of the state and a relief to the litigants who travel from Anambra to Enugu in search of justice.
The Presiding Justice of the newly established Court of Appeal, Justice C. E. Iheme, commended the initiative, adding that Awka Court of Appeal was set to act as a last hope to “everybody,” as well as “call a spade its name (spade), without messaging anyone.”
Earlier, Governor Willie Obiano, said his administration had not relented in strengthening the relationship between the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary due to their enormous importance in democratic setting.