Anambra judiciary hints on move to increase court service charges

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Chief Judge of Anambra state, Justice Peter Umeadi, has revealed
that court service charges in Anambra would soon be increased in order to shore-up revenue from the courts.

Umeadi said this when executive members of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Onitsha Branch, led by its Chairman, Mr Chudi Obieze, paid him a courtesy in Awka.

He said that the various stakeholders in the judiciary would be consulted on the issue; while it would be done with some moderation since the judiciary provide social service to the people.

``You people would be duly consulted and your inputs considered before the decision on the slight increase in the court service charges would be done.

``We know that the judiciary provides social service to the people and we are mindful of that; but the truth is that Anambra have the least court service charge among the 36 states in the country.

``And we adjust it to reflect the current realities even though it will still be at the reach of all,’’ he said.

Umeadi said that he was committed to the transformation of the judiciary in term of structures, logistic and conducive working environment.

He lauded Anambra government for granting the judiciary ``total autonomy’’ and the harmonious relationship between judiciary and executive arms of government.

On NBA Onitsha Branch, Umeadi thanked the branch for playing lead and mentorship roles for other NBA branches in the state.

``I must commend you for producing finest lawyers and vast numbers of Senior Advocates of Nigeria; it shows that you know what you are doing,’’ he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of NBA Onitsha Branch, Barrister Chudi Obieze, said that they came to show solidarity and support for the Chief Judge’s vision to transform Anambra judiciary.

``We are appealing to the Chief Judge to issue a practice direction to take care of the backlog of penalty accrued by a result of strike actions, which is an act of God.

``And for you to look into the renovation of court rooms and offices in Onitsha,’’ Obieze said.

He also felicitated with the Chief Judge over his birthday coming up on July 4, adding: ``We would always stand by you, make all necessary inputs to help your projects to succeed’’.



Photo of Anambra Chief Judge and NBA Chairman Onitsha branch