Anambra gets 20 new Magistrates, new Deputy Registrar -----laments strike by Judiciary

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon Justice

Peter Umeadi yesterday sworn in a Deputy Chief Registrar of Anambra State Judiciary, Mr Agbasionwe Eugene Agbasionwe.

The Chief Judge also later sworn in 20 Magistrates of the State High Courts, comprising young lawyers, of which 16 of are females and four males.

Umeadi said that in the days to come, more magistrates will be sworn in to help the state government with its drive to prosecute revenue defaulters.

He further charged the Deputy Chief Registrar to contribute his quota to the positive change the judiciary in the state.

Umeadi said the Judiciary in Anambra State has been in limbo since January as a result of the strike action embarked upon by the Judiciary staff workers in the state to protest financial autonomy of the judiciary and others such grouses.

He said he is confident that now that the judiciary has finally resumed duty, the swearing in of the Deputy Chief Registrar will help to speed up the services of the judiciary to the public.

“By This appointment, we are more equipped to deliver judicial services to the public. The essence of this appointment is to ensure we decentralize duties, dismantle red tape and achieve speed in the delivery of services to the public,” Umeadi said.

On Magistrates sworn in, Umeadi further said “There is a synergy going on between the judiciary and the executive arm of government to help improve revenue in the state, and we are preparing a bill which we will send to the house of assembly so that we can appoint revenue magistrates.”

He said the magistrates will be drafted to various mobile courts to help try and prosecute tax evaders. He added that the swearing in of the 20 new magistrates will help to decongest workload on other magistrates and expressed happiness that the new magistrates will inject fresh blood into the system.

Umeadi earlier commended the efforts of the State governor in ensuring that court rooms and chambers were well furnished to help the job of the Magistrates and judges in the state to deliver their duties.

He urged the new magistrates to emulate their seniors in conduct, dressing and carriage and expressed satisfaction in the crop of magistrates sworn in, saying that the 20 scored best grades in the examination set for aspiring magistrates.