A new Division of the Court of Appeal has been inaugurated in Awka the Anambra State Capital.


The Appeal Court which was inaugurated by the President of the Court of Appeal Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa alongside Governor Willie Obiano is coming twenty-nine years after the creation of Anambra State.


It is the eighteenth in the country.
At inception in 1976, the Court of Appeal had the Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu divisions, but by 1977, the number was increased to five with the establishment of Benin and Ibadan divisions, subsequently other divisions were added.


Performing the function, Justice Bulkachuwa, said that the creation of the new division of the Appeal Court in Anambra State was to ensure consistent and prompt delivery of justice and thanked the Anambra State government for its support.


In a remark, Governor Willie Obiano who pointed out that the move had been his administration’s priority, stressed that it will reduce the drudgery of long distance travels to Enugu and other divisions as well as reduce the cost of transportation and delays due to congestion.


The Governor who commended the Court Of Appeal Project Committee members, noted that no progressive society will experience rapid growth without establishing institutions, of which the court is one of them, pointing out that his administration has done a lot for the judiciary including clearance of arrears benefits owned the workers and building befitting judge’s quarters, among others.


The Governor announced that a land has been provided in Awka for the permanent site of the court.


While pledging a robust working relationship, the State Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu said that with the presence of the Appeal Court, Anambra State now hosts all levels of court, except the Supreme Court and disclosed that the President of the Appeal Court has already set up a panel of three justices for the division.


Speaking to the press, the Member representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly Senator Uche Ekwunife and the member representing Awka North and South at the House of representatives, Chief Chinedu Onwuaso described the event as a welcome development.


Recall that in 2018, Governor Obiano set up a five-man court of Appeal Project Committee headed by Dr. Onyechi Ikpazu SAN with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Barrister Pat Igwebuike serving as its Secretary, while other members include, Retired Justice Anthony Igu, Mr. Emeka Etiaba SAN as well as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Uju Nworgu.

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