Obiano solicits speedy justice delivery

Swears in new chief judge

 ANAMBRA State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has tasked the judiciary to always make time of the essence of justice delivery.
Gov. Obiano repeated the call while speaking at a foundation laying ceremony for construction of new Judges’ Quarters and High Court Premises at Aguleri and Ogbunike in Anambra East and Oyi Local Government Areas, respectively.
According to the governor, the role of prompt and timely dispensation of justice cannot be over-empahsised in socio-economic development of any state, stressing that his belief in justice delayed is justice denied informs the strategic investment of his administration in the sector through establishment of more courtrooms and appointment of more judges and magistrates as well as other support staff.
The governor stated that he has religiously kept faith with supporting the judiciary to ensure that logistics do not clog the wheel of timely justice because without it, he said, injustice may be meted out to the people wrongfully.
The events were attended by Wife of the Governor and Founder of Caring Family Enhancement (CAFÉ) initiative, Dr. (Mrs) Ebelechukwu Obiano, Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, Traditional Ruler of Ogbunike, Igwe John Umenyiora, Outgoing Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, top government functionaries and other notable dignitaries.
Highlights of the events were laying of foundation stones for the three projects by Gov. Obiano who was assisted by his wife, Ebelechukwu.
Meanwhile, a new chief judge of Anambra State High Court was yesterday sworn in by Gov. Willie Obiano in a ceremony at State Executive Council (Exco) Chambers of Government House, Awka.
His name is Justice Manasseh Anyachebelu, who until his appointment was presiding judge of Awka High Court I.
He is to hold the office in an acting capacity pending his confirmation by the Anambra House of Assembly.
Anyachebelu’s swearing in follows the retirement of the outgoing Chief Judge, Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, whose tenure expired last week.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Gov. Obiano stressed that if stability is needed in the advancement of democracy dividends to ndi Anambra, the ongoing cordial relationship between judiciary and other arms of government must be sustained.
Therefore, the governor urged the Ag. Chief Judge to emulate his predecessors by standing for justice at all times without fear or favour.
Reminding him of the challenge of prison decongestion and plight of people awaiting trial, Gov. Obiano also commended Justice Onwuamaegbu for some of the silent revolutions she brought to the state judiciary in her short tenure
In his acceptance speech, Justice Anyachebelu, who hinted that he started his career in Anambra 35 years ago, said that the tasks ahead were onerous.
He however pledged to surmount them by ensuring that all hands will be on deck, especially by other arms of government which he expressed optimism that they will extend to him the same right hand of fellowship that was given to his two immediate predecessors.