EFFURUN – There is the compelling need for more court rooms to be in different locations across the country rather than having people travel miles to access justice.
This was disclosed by Justice Anthony Olotu Akpovi, Judge of the Delta State High Court 2, Warri Judicial Division while delivering a lecture at the 2nd Annual Congress Dialogue organized by Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative CRCEI) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said that Delta State has done reasonably well in this area of courts spread into all local governments reachable by land and sea.
However, Hon. Justice Akpovi opined that the bringing down of the old Warri High Court building which ought to be an heritage building is one of the worst mistakes from the Bar and Bench.
He said, states like Oyo State preserved their old structures like Iyagakuro High Court.
According to him, “this matter should be in the top burner of the Hon. Attorney General as adviser to Government as one of the way forward.”
Hon. Justice Akpovi said that there is need for the appointment of more judges to meet up with the legal needs of Nigeria in proportion to the population, adding that there is also need for Warrant for alternate judge.
Justice Akpovi added, “another judge should by warrant of the Hon. Chief Judge be allowed to preside over court cases so that if a judge is transferred to another court, dead or incapacitated, there will be no need for a case to start de novo.
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“He would rely on the Certified True Copy(CTC) of evidence taken so far and if there is need to recall any witness, he may do so suo moto or on hearing both sides do so for example, the witness can be recalled to verify that the entire CTC of proceedings in his first testimony is correct including cross/examination. This jurisprudence and possible legal information must be explored. The Federal High Court Rules makes provision for another judge to read out the judgement of a deceased judge or transferred judge.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Amb. Edwor Edgedgbe, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Citizens Rights Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI) outlined Initiative’s mission to enhance citizens’ rights and promote accountability in governance.
He emphasized the organization’s collaborative approach with various stakeholders, including the police and local governments to address critical issues like security and access to justice.
Highlighting the theme, “Nigeria @ 64: Delayed Justice in the Nigerian Judiciary System—What Can Be Done Differently,” Amb. Edgedgbe stressed the urgent need for judicial reforms, calling for an independent judiciary free from executive influence.
He lamented the rising delays in justice, which he claimed erode public trust in the legal system.
Amb. Egedegbe disclosed that guest speaker, His Lordship Hon. Justice Anthony O Akpovi the Warri High Court is expected to discuss solutions to the pressing issue of delayed justice.
Amb. Edgedgbe expresses his appreciation to participants, stakeholders and government officials for their commitment to advancing citizens’ rights, urging collective action for a better Nigeria.
He added that the congress aims to empower citizens and foster dialogue on governance issues, reinforcing the importance of active civic engagement.
