Anambra Chief Judge renames Judiciary complex, inaugurates ADR Court

ADR: There was jubilation in Anambra State as the state Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi inaugurates the Willie M. Obiano Anambra State Multi Door Court House at the Headquarters of the Judiciary complex, Awka.

This is coming as Justice Umeadi renamed the State Judiciary Headquarters after Hon Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh, CON, a retired Supreme Court Judge. The complex henceforth should be referred as Anthony Iguh Judiciary Headquarters, Awka , Anambra state.

ADR — Justice Umeadi middle with Hon Justice Iguh and other judges

The Chief Judge of the State Justice Peter Umeadi who announced this explained that the State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) agreed to re-name the institution after the renowned retired Justice, at its two hundred and thirty seventh (237th) meeting held on 7th August, 2017 after which he wrote Governor Obiano for approval. He said the renaming shall be for all times.

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Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh was the first Chief Judge of the new Anambra State but retired as a justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2004, at the age of seventy. Umeadi said Iguh is the honoured list of Chief Judges of Anambra state and thanked God or his amazing health all this while.

Justice Umeadi further described Iguh as an enterprising judge who served as a motivator to young lawyers and judges

Hon Justice Anthony Ikechukwu Iguh was full of appreciation for the Chief Judge, Justice Umeadi and his team, praying that he would be honoured at the due time as he has honoured him.

At the inauguration of the Willie M. Obiano Anambra State Multi Door Court House as an avenue for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to numerous cases ordinarily would be abandoned by people sequel to high cost of seeking for justice in regular courts, Justice Umeadi reminded that exorbitant cost of seeking justice in Nigeria has made some indigent people to abandon claims that are genuine and feasible.

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ADR — Hon Justice Umeadi with Hon Justice Iguh flanked right by Hon Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu, Administrative Judge of Onitsha High Court

He noted that the Multi Door centre is available to the public for alternative dispute resolution, fast track mediation, mini-trial, arbitration among others.

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The State Chief Judge thanked the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, and revealed that they have done a good job that will help Ndi Anambra and other residents of the State get justice at ease.

He further commended Governor Willie Obiano for his support which he described as immeasurable in achieving the feat. He cautioned Judges to be mindful of telling a lawyer that he has no case in a suit before him as it presents the judge as biased in the matter. He quoted relevant sections that gave powers to ADR which he said is backed by law. He said Anambra state has made the most scientific High Court rules in Nigeria with the latest Order 4 dwelling on ADR.

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Chief Judge middle with scissor while Director of the Multidoor Court House , Lay Chinyere Obianyo (Left) and other members right watches

He urged arbitrators for the ADR open door multicourt house led by its Director , Lady Chimezie Obiayo to build the people’s confidence in ADR by using persuasion in resolving issues by being disciplined, fair, just and corrupt free.

The Chief Judge later presented to the public three books containing guides to dispensation of justice in Anambra state including Anambra state Multi Door Court rules, Anambra state Magistrate Court rules and Anambra state High Court rules.