NBA urges Abia govt to rehabilitate dilapidated courtrooms, improve judiciary facilities

The Nigeria Bar Association, Abia State branch, has urged the Abia State Government to address the poor conditions of courtrooms and other substandard facilities within the state's judiciary. This appeal came during a public engagement session organized by the Abia State Government, aimed at gathering insights for the proposed 2027 budget.

Ikemefula Ijioma, the NBA representative, highlighted the NBA's appreciation for the state government's recent infrastructural improvements in the judiciary, but expressed concern over the deteriorating state of some courtrooms. He noted that, during rainstorms, court proceedings can be interrupted and suspended due to the damaged roofs of certain facilities.

According to the NBA, repairing these dilapidated structures would create a more favorable environment for judges, attorneys, defendants, and witnesses, while also facilitating a more efficient judicial process throughout the state.

Another lawyer, Nduri Chibuike Eruba, echoed this sentiment, calling for enhanced support for the judiciary sector in Abia State. At the forum, Mrs. Ihediwamma Gladys of the Grassroots Community Development Initiative suggested that civil society organizations should be granted the authority to monitor the implementation stages of the state's annual budgets, ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

Traditional rulers in Abia State further requested that the government increase security presence around new school buildings in communities to safeguard these facilities from being vandalized or looted. Abia State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Kingsley Anosike, responded to these various requests by stating that the citizens' engagement program was intended to collect the needs of Abia citizens before drafting the 2027 budget.

He assured that the NBA's concerns, along with those of persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, and community leaders, would be carefully considered, contingent upon the availability of resources.