Gov Otti commissions new Court building, reaffirms Judiciary’s role as bulwark against tyranny

By Foster Obi
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as an independent pillar of democracy, describing it as society’s ultimate defence against tyranny and abuse of power.
Speaking at the commissioning of the newly constructed Court Building in Umuene, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Otti said the judiciary remained “the bulwark against tyranny” and a central institution in defending the rights of citizens in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
“Without an effective judicial system, society becomes a jungle where the strong feed on the weak and might confers right,” the Governor declared. “It is therefore to the judiciary and its officers that we owe our freedom to enjoy the inalienable rights that the benevolent Creator has graciously endowed mankind with.”
The Governor recalled that the project was flagged off on October 3, 2024, with a promise to deliver within 12 months—a promise now fulfilled. He said the construction of modern, fully equipped court buildings across all 17 local government areas underscores his administration’s conviction that there can be no meaningful development without equitable access to justice.
Otti explained that his government’s investment in judicial infrastructure was part of a holistic approach to governance that links justice delivery to social order, investor confidence, and community security.
“Progress for us is beyond physical infrastructure,” he said. “An effective judiciary is as important to development as quality roads, power supply, and other basic amenities.”
The Governor commended the Chief Judge of Abia State, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai, for what he called her “focused leadership” and for maintaining the integrity and objectivity of the judicial arm in advancing the boundaries of justice in the State.
He urged judicial officers to remain steadfast and fearless in dispensing justice, especially in a world where technology and social influence have made exploitation and manipulation more sophisticated.
“When victims run to your new judicial altars in tears, do not fail them,” Otti charged. “When you do, the villain is emboldened, innocence is lost, and the seeds of treachery spread.”
Otti also announced that other completed court buildings in the 16 remaining local government areas would be inaugurated over the coming weeks, each equipped with independent power systems, water supply, standard IT tools, and maintenance facilities.
He disclosed plans to begin the construction of two multi-functional, ultra-modern judicial complexes in Aba and Umuahia, each housing 15 courtrooms, a 1,000-seat multipurpose hall, and conference spaces.
“Never again will our judicial officers operate from structures that are below their standing and stature as oracles of truth and conscience,” he said.
The Governor further commended the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, for developing a framework that fosters a strong, respectful relationship between the executive and judicial arms of government.
Otti assured continued executive support for ongoing judicial reforms, emphasizing that institutional strengthening was key to building a fair, prosperous, and peaceful Abia.
“The goal is to build a State that offers equal opportunity to every individual to live out the full expression of their abilities,” he said. “We must shake off mediocrity and refuse to punch below our weight, for we are better than that.”
The Governor concluded by reaffirming his belief that an empowered and incorruptible judiciary would remain the cornerstone of the “New Abia” his administration envisions—a society founded on justice, fairness, and respect for human dignity.
Picture: The Governor in a group photo with the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN and, the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai.

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