Otti Assures Judiciary Of Independence, Non-Interference At 2026/2027 Legal Year

UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has assured the judiciary of continued independence, insisting that his administration will maintain clear lines among arms of government while providing support needed for justice delivery.

Otti gave assurance on Tuesday during 2026/2027 Legal Year celebration organised by Abia State Judiciary with theme: “The Bar, the Bench and Administration of Justice: Strengthening the Cords that Bind.”

The Governor who congratulated it on the new legal year, described the theme as apt, emphasising that if Bar and Bench do not work together, the result is confusion.

“If there’s anything we can do to help strengthen that cord, you can take it for granted that we will do it,” Otti said.

He described the judiciary as a very important arm of government, noting that the executive or legislature cannot work without the judiciary, but lines among arms remain clear.

“One thing you can be sure of with us is that we will always maintain those lines. That is why you hardly get me to call you to say do this or do that. When I call you, it’s to greet you,” he said.

Otti said the environment where the judiciary operates is important to the government, hence the decision to change it.

According to him, an additional 10 new court houses built across the state will be commissioned, with five more before the end of the year.

He also disclosed that the government will flag off construction of ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia next month, each with a 1,000-capacity auditorium.

The Governor said his administration will continue the digitalisation of the entire process of government across executive, judiciary and legislature to make life easier for people, thanking the judiciary for cooperation and support for due process.

In a sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, charged the Bar and Bench to defend the integrity of the noble profession.

Referencing 1 Kings 3:9 where Solomon asked for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil, the Bishop said the judiciary which is described as the last hope of the common man, must live up to the expectation.

“Society is decayed indeed, but common man is looking up to you for defence against oppressors. God is expecting much from you to defend and maintain the integrity of this profession,” he said.

He urged legal practitioners to discharge their duties in the fear of God, knowing that they will one day stand before God’s judgment seat, citing 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.