FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to flag off construction of two ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia in November 2026 and commission 10 new courthouses across the state to strengthen justice delivery and modernise the judiciary.
Otti made the announcement while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the Thanksgiving Service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary at the Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.
Each proposed complex, he said, would include a 1,000-capacity auditorium, providing judicial officers with modern and functional working environments. Five of the 10 new courthouses would be commissioned before the end of 2026, with the remaining five scheduled for early next year.
“For us, where you operate from and the environment you work in is very important to this government. That is why we took a deliberate decision to change your environment,” Otti stated.
He said completion of the Ukwa East courthouse had been delayed by the contractor’s poor performance. The contract has been terminated and will be re-awarded to a more competent contractor.
Otti said his administration had renovated and retrofitted dilapidated courtrooms across the state’s three senatorial zones, provided new official vehicles for judges and improved the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers. It had also deployed information and communication technology tools and begun digitising court processes to accelerate justice delivery and improve efficiency.
The Governor added that digitalisation would continue across the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to make governance more efficient and public services more accessible.
While assuring the Judiciary of continued support, Otti said cooperation would not compromise its constitutional independence.
“The judiciary is a very important part of government. There is no way the Executive or the Legislature can function effectively without the judiciary. But then, the lines are also very clear. One thing you can be sure of with us is that we will always maintain those lines,” he said.
He said collaboration among the three arms of government must respect their distinct constitutional responsibilities and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to separation of powers. He also commended the Judiciary for supporting due process and the rule of law.
“This government is a stickler for due process, and we can say that we have received maximum support from you because you are also sticklers for due process,” he said.
Describing the Legal Year theme, “The Bar, the Bench and the Administration of Justice: Strengthening the Cords That Bind,” as timely, Otti congratulated members of the Bar and Bench and expressed optimism that the 2026/2027 Legal Year would be productive.
The Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, commended Otti for the cordial relationship between the Executive and Judiciary, describing it as a cord worth strengthening.
She disclosed that the state government had installed solar power systems at the High Courts in Umuahia and Aba to improve working conditions and support the administration of justice.
Justice Abai also said the Governor signed three laws on October 19, 2026, to strengthen the state’s criminal justice system: 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.
She urged members of the Bar to protect the Judiciary’s integrity, uphold professional ethics, defend its credibility and maintain a harmonious relationship with the Bench.
In his sermon, the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, urged legal practitioners to act with integrity, sincerity, fairness and accountability to God.
“As you carry out these legal responsibilities, I encourage you to render your service unto the Lord, because you are chosen by God to carry out this responsibility,” the Bishop said.
He encouraged lawyers to emulate King Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom and understanding, noting that citizens rely on the legal system for protection from oppression and injustice.
The new Legal Year begins as the state government intensifies investment in judicial infrastructure, criminal justice reform and digital transformation, including the announced court projects across Abia State.
The service was attended by members of the Abia State Executive Council, the Chief Judge, judges, chief registrars, magistrates, chairmen of customary courts and members of the Bar and Bench.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC , Umuahia Abia State.
20th October, 2026.
