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The Imo State Judiciary on Thursday 30th October, 2025; held a special High Court session as part of ceremonies officially marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the powerful charge centered on rekindling excellence and restoring public confidence in the justice system contained in the speech of the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Chief Chris Ihentuge.
Speaking on the theme “Rekindling Judicial Excellence: The Bar, the Bench and the Burden of Restoration,” Chief Ihentuge emphasized the joint responsibility of legal practitioners and judicial officers in rebuilding public trust in the courts. Adding that Judicial excellence is not automatic, therefore to rekindle excellence, Judiciary must accept the burden of restoration.
Chief Ihentuge commended the ongoing improvement works in the Judiciary but urged the State Government to intensify efforts in upgrading facilities, providing official vehicles for judges and magistrates, and advancing digitalization of court services.
He highlighted the ugly condition of several court buildings, especially in rural areas, and stressed the need for adequate logistics, modern technology, and reliable power supply for efficient court operations.
In his address, the NBA Chairman made appeals which included the full resumption of court sittings in Owerri to address case backlogs and improve justice delivery and for courts moved to Owerri during periods of insecurity to be returned to their original judicial divisions to ease hardship on litigants and legal practitioners.
Chief Ihentuge strongly condemned the provision of law recently brought to the attention of the Bar and Bench in the state, which empowers the Chief Registrar of the High Court to assign cases to judges in the absence of a substantive Chief Judge. The said law is perceived to undermine constitutional judicial authority, he urged the Imo State House of Assembly to repeal the law, warning that the Bar is prepared to challenge it legally if necessary.
Addressing the Judiciary Staff in the State he drew attention to the welfare concerns of judiciary staff and law officers, calling for prompt resolution of salary arrears, inclusion in minimum wage adjustments, pension matters, and adoption of an approved salary structure.
The Bar Chairman condemned extortion and misconduct by court staff and advocated for stronger disciplinary mechanisms, anonymous complaint channels, and continuous professional training.
The Chairman concluded by reaffirming the Bar’s commitment to judicial reforms, improved access to justice, and a justice system that serves every citizen without bias
The Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma who was the Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony was represented by his Deputy; Lady Chinyere Ekomaru.
The ceremony was packed with an audience comprising present and retired Judges and Judicial Officers, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria, members of the Bar and Government officials, including the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary; Barr. Ikenna Ihezuo.
Click here to download full speech
Frank Amandi (ESQ.)
Publicity Secretary
NBA Owerri Branch