“Where You Operate From and the Environment That You See Is Very Important to This Government” — Gov. Alex Otti Announces 10 New Courthouses, Ultra-Modern Court Complexes for Aba, Umuahia

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has announced plans to commission 10 additional courthouses across the state and flag off the construction of ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia, in a renewed push to improve judicial infrastructure and strengthen the administration of justice in Abia State.

Governor Otti made the announcement during a Thanksgiving Service held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Chapel, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, to mark the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Abia State Judiciary.

The planned projects form part of the state government’s commitment to providing judicial officers with a more conducive working environment, improving the physical infrastructure required for effective judicial operations, and ensuring that the justice system is supported by facilities that reflect its constitutional importance.

The Governor disclosed that each of the proposed ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia would feature an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,000 people, providing substantial space for judicial events and other official engagements associated with the administration of justice.

He further revealed that five of the 10 courthouses would be commissioned before the end of 2026, while the remaining five would be commissioned early in 2027, assuring judicial officers that the infrastructure development programme would continue beyond the current legal year.

“For us, like I also said the other day, where you operate from and the environment that you see is very important to this government.

“And that is why we took the principle decision to change your environment.

“By the time you finish the program for this year, the legal year, and return, we should be commissioning additional 10 new courthouses that we have built.

“So five of them will be commissioned this year, and then the remaining ones will be commissioned early next year,” Governor Otti disclosed.

The Governor also addressed the delay in completing the Ukwa East courthouse, attributing the situation to the contractor’s poor performance. He disclosed that the state government had decided to terminate the existing contract and re-award the project to another contractor to facilitate its completion.

The decision underscores the administration’s position that public infrastructure projects must be executed in accordance with established expectations and that delays arising from poor contractor performance would be addressed to ensure that projects deliver their intended benefits to the people.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to the digitalisation of government processes across the executive, legislature and judiciary.

He explained that the ongoing digital transformation agenda was aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening institutional operations and making public services more accessible to citizens.

The digitalisation initiative is expected to support more efficient administrative processes, improve coordination among government institutions and reduce avoidable bottlenecks in public service delivery, while enabling the three arms of government to carry out their respective responsibilities more effectively.

Governor Otti described the judiciary as an indispensable arm of government, emphasising that the effective functioning of the executive and legislature also depends on a judicial system capable of interpreting the law, resolving disputes and upholding constitutional principles.

He, however, stressed that cooperation among the three arms of government must be guided by respect for their distinct constitutional mandates. According to him, his administration would continue to support the judiciary and legislature without interfering with their independence or undermining the boundaries established by law.

“The judiciary is a very important part of government. And 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 with us is that we will always maintain those lines,” Governor Otti said.

The Governor also commended the Abia State Judiciary for its cooperation with the state government, particularly in matters relating to due process and the proper conduct of government business.

He noted that the administration’s commitment to due process had received the necessary institutional support from judicial officers who share the same principle.

“This government is a stickler for due process, and we can say that we have got maximum support from you, because you’re also a stickler for due process,“ Governor Otti said.

His remarks highlighted the importance of a functional relationship between the executive and the judiciary, anchored on mutual respect, accountability and adherence to the law. The administration’s stated approach places emphasis on ensuring that government decisions and public affairs are conducted within established legal and constitutional frameworks.

Governor Otti congratulated the Abia State Judiciary on the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year and expressed optimism that the new legal year would be successful. He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue providing support for the effective administration of justice while respecting the judiciary’s constitutionally guaranteed independence.

The Thanksgiving Service was conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibabuchi, and attracted members of the Abia State Executive Council, the Chief Judge and judges of the Abia State Judiciary, chief registrars, magistrates, chairmen of customary courts and other personnel of the judiciary.

The event provided an opportunity for members of the judiciary and other government officials to mark the beginning of a new legal year while reflecting on the responsibilities of the justice system and the importance of institutional cooperation in strengthening the rule of law.

With the planned commissioning of 10 additional courthouses, the proposed ultra-modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia, and the continued drive towards digitalisation, the Abia State Government has outlined key infrastructure and administrative priorities for supporting ju dicial operations during the 2026/2027 Legal Year.