The Committee of Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anambra State, has urgently called for the immediate reopening of the Court of Appeal, Awka Division, which has remained closed for over ten months due to security threats.
In a statement signed by NBA Anambra State Chairman, Barr. Mrs. Betsy Nnaji, and Secretary, H.O.L. Nzute (Esq), the committee expressed concern that despite the improved security in the state, the court remains shut. “Your administration’s (Governor Chukwuma Soludo) proactive approach to ensuring the safety of lives and property is both commendable and reassuring,” the statement acknowledged. However, the committee raised alarm over the ongoing shutdown, stating, “It is against this backdrop that we express our deep concern over the continued closure of the Court of Appeal, Awka Division, for over ten months due to alleged security threats.”
The committee further pointed out the contradiction that while the Court of Appeal remains closed, the National Industrial Court located on the same premises continues to operate without disruption. The NBA argued, “If insecurity were indeed the primary factor, it would be inexplicable that courts in more volatile regions such as Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina continue to sit without interruption.”
The prolonged closure of the court has left Anambra residents without access to justice, raising concerns that individuals may resort to extrajudicial measures to resolve disputes. This concern has been compounded by reports of human rights violations associated with the security forces deployed by the state government.
Reports have emerged of innocent youths being extrajudicially killed by security forces created by Governor Soludo’s administration. In some instances, security personnel have been accused of burning the shops of innocent market women, extorting money from drivers by placing roadblocks and demanding bribes for passage. These actions have sparked outrage among the public, as they have left many in fear for their safety and undermined the rule of law.
Moreover, the committee highlighted the alarming presence of these abuses amid the election season, as the Nigerian government is expected to showcase their efforts toward restoring order, especially with Governor Soludo seeking a second term. With the election approaching, there are concerns that the government may use force and violence as a way to display their effectiveness, even at the expense of innocent lives.
The NBA has called on Governor Soludo to urgently engage with judicial authorities to reopen the court and restore the public’s faith in the judiciary. They also urged the governor to take swift action to address the ongoing security concerns and human rights abuses, ensuring the safety of citizens, judicial personnel, and the delivery of justice.
“Access to justice is an essential pillar of a democratic society and must not be compromised,” the statement emphasized, underscoring that the failure to address these issues could lead to further destabilization in the state.
In addition to their appeal to the governor, the NBA Anambra Committee of Chairmen also wrote to the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, urging immediate action to alleviate the hardships faced by litigants due to the prolonged closure of the court. The letter warned that continued delays would only deepen public mistrust in the judiciary and potentially encourage a resort to self-help by frustrated citizens.
“The litigating public fears that if this situation persists, it may lead to dire consequences, including a loss of faith in the judicial system and a resort to self-help,” the letter read.
The committee concluded by calling on the judiciary to acknowledge the improved security situation in the state and take necessary steps to restore normal court proceedings in Awka, ensuring justice is served without further delay, and holding those responsible for the human rights violations to account.
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