Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has announced plans to commission 15 additional court halls in phases and commence construction of ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia in November 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s judicial system.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the 2026/2027 Legal Year Thanksgiving Service held at the Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.
The governor disclosed that 10 additional court halls would be commissioned immediately after the current Legal Year programme, while five more would be completed and commissioned before the end of the year. The remaining court hall is scheduled for commissioning early next year.
He also revealed that construction of the proposed ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia would officially commence in November. Each complex is expected to feature an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,000 people, providing modern facilities to support judicial activities and related engagements.
Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Judicial Development
Beyond infrastructure, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to digitising government operations across the executive, legislature and judiciary.
According to him, the digital transformation agenda is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen institutional performance and make public services more accessible to residents of Abia State.
The governor described the theme of the Legal Year, “The Bar, the Bench and the Administration of Justice: Strengthening the Courts that Bind,” as relevant to the need for stronger cooperation among the three arms of government.
He emphasised that effective governance requires collaboration between the executive, legislature and judiciary, while insisting that each institution must operate within its constitutionally defined responsibilities.
“The judiciary is a very important arm of government. There is no way the Executive or the legislature can work without the judiciary. But then, the lines are also very clear. And one thing you can be sure of with us is that we will always maintain those lines,” Otti stated.
The governor congratulated members of the Bar and the Bench on the commencement of the new Legal Year, commending their commitment to due process and the rule of law. He also expressed appreciation for their cooperation and support for his administration.
Abia Chief Judge Commends Cooperation with Executive
In her address, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, praised the cordial working relationship between the executive and the judiciary, describing it as a valuable partnership that deserves to be strengthened.
Justice Abai disclosed that the state government had installed solar power systems at the High Courts in Umuahia and Aba to improve power supply and support judicial operations.
She further revealed that Governor Otti signed three important pieces of legislation on October 19, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of justice in the state.
The laws are the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2026; the Abia State Restorative Justice Law No. 8 of 2026; and the Abia State Criminal Law No. 7 of 2026.
The Chief Judge urged legal practitioners to recognise the judiciary as a shared institution whose credibility depends on the collective responsibility of everyone within the justice system.
She called on members of the Bar to protect the integrity of the courts, uphold professional standards and maintain a constructive relationship with the Bench to ensure effective justice delivery.
Bishop Charges Lawyers on Integrity and Fairness
Earlier in his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, urged legal practitioners to approach their professional responsibilities with sincerity, integrity and a strong sense of accountability.
The cleric reminded lawyers that their actions carry moral consequences and encouraged them to view their professional duties as a responsibility entrusted to them by God.
He also urged them to emulate the biblical King Solomon, who sought wisdom and understanding to make sound judgments and distinguish right from wrong.
Bishop Ibeabuchi noted that ordinary citizens depend on the legal profession for protection against oppression and injustice, stressing the need for practitioners to defend the vulnerable and promote fairness in society.
The 2026/2027 Legal Year Thanksgiving Service attracted several dignitaries and members of the legal community, marking the beginning of another judicial year in Abia State.
ALSO READ: VIDEO: Ex-INEC Commissioner Raises Alarm Over Alleged NYSC Impostors Ahead of 2027 Elections
The planned court halls, proposed modern court complexes and ongoing digitalisation efforts form part of the state government’s broader push to improve judicial infrastructure, promote the rule of law and strengthen access to justice for the people of Abia State.
[…] Gov. Otti to Commission 15 Court Halls, Flag Off Ultra-Modern Court Complexes in Aba, Umuahia […]