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The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch has raised concerns over issues bothering lawyers as regards the practice of law and the Judiciary in Imo State, including but not limited to assignment of cases, revitalisation of the Bar and Bench Forum, relocation of some courts from the State capital, resumption of court sittings on Mondays, et cetera. 
Others are the bad state of the Justice S. A. Nsofor High Court Complex, improper dressing by lawyers to court and ultimately the way forward to ensure speedy and efficient dispensation of justice in the State.
The Chairman of the Bar, Chief Chris Ihentuge raised the concerns when he led the NBA executive team on a courtesy visit to office of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2026.
Some Judges of the Imo State Judiciary, the Chief Registrar and the Deputy Chief Registrars were all present during the visit to the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Bar Chairman congratulated the Acting Chief Judge of the State on assuming her rightful and deserved position which is already positively impacting the judiciary, particularly the neatness and orderliness of the High Court premises, adding that the NBA Owerri Branch is strongly behind His Lordship in the renewed drive to enthrone a capacity-driven judiciary.
He urged the Chief Judge to note seriously the mentioned issues bothering the Imo State Judiciary and to assist the Bar in continuing to uphold the ethics of the legal profession. He further prayed the Acting CJ to remain resolute in her resolve to rid the judiciary of bad eggs and avoid actions that could tarnish its hard-earned reputation.
Responding, the Acting Chief Judge of the State thanked the delegation for the visit and for the issues raised. His Lordship on the spot constituted Judges to represent the Judiciary in the Bar and Bench forum and immediately handed the list to the Bar Chairman to enable the prompt constitution of the forum.
On the issue of assignment of cases, the Acting Chief Judge revealed that the court Order striking down the section of the Imo State High Courts Law which had prevented her from assigning cases was only served on his office and the Chief Registrar's office the previous week and that the assignment of cases would commence in earnest.
His Lordship promised action to put measures in place to address other concerns which may include amendment of the Rules and giving practice directions in deserving cases.
Speaking further, His Lordship revealed that infrastructural renovations are underway at the Justice Oputa High Court complex and that work would commence soonest as there are lots of work to be done.
Their Lordships in their remarks expressed readiness, courage and strength to attend to all matters before them, promptly and efficiently, inviting lawyers to come forward and do their cases, while decrying the decline in professionalism, filing of frivolous cases and the feeling amongst some lawyers that cases must go their way or that they must meet their client’s desires against all odds which has led to various forms of sharp practices, especially undue delays in proceedings before the courts.
Franklin Amandi Esq.
Publicity Secretary,
NBA Owerri.