Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Customary Court of Appeals headquarters and named it after Customary Court of Appeal Judge, Hon. Justice Chima Nweze.
In his speech before inaugurating the edifice located at Enugu State Judiciary 3 Arm Zone, Independence layout, Enugu, Ugwuanyi said that the construction of the court building was executed to provide efficient and speedy justice to the people.
He named the Customary Court of Appeals building, Hon. Justice Chima Nweze Customary Court of Appeal headquarters, Enugu, saying that it was in recognition of Justice Nweze’s contributions to the Judiciary.
The governor said that the edice has two courts, office of the president of the Customary Court of Appeal, offices of various directors, library, conference hall, conveniences, among others.
He commended the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena, President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu, Hon. Justice George Nnamani, the Registrar of Customary Court of Appeal, Sparkle Oji, other Judges, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo, the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Greg. Nnaji, and others for their support.
In his address tagged ,’ Appreciatory Verses”, President of Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu State, Hon Justice George Nnamani, commended Ugwuanyi for his good governance and the gaint strides he achieved in the judiciary sector.
He said: ” His Excellency’s interest in the welfare of Enugu State Judiciary as the third arm of government has been of humongous immensity . In my arm of it, we have never had it so good. Apart from creating nine additional courts in a bid to get justice closer to the masses, he provided for the Customary Court of Appeal a 75KVA FC WILSON Generator. He provided vehicular facilities for the inspectorate Department of the court, commissioned 34 model buildings constructed for Customary Courts in the state.”
Nnamani added that Ugwuanyi has done much in capacity building, prompt release of overheads and salaries among others.
He described the development as the “highest any Governor has paid the Customary Court of any state in Nigeria since the exit of Sir James Wilson Robertson.
” We have received letters of commendation for performance from the National Judicial Council (NJC). Our Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Law Reports, our socio- cultural magazine, Customarius and our journal of Contemporary Customary and Sharia Law Issues in Nigeria are tripartite novelties and trailblazers on the interlectual amphitheatre of the nation’s judiciary.
“We have created great confidence of justice seekers in the Customary system of administration of justice in the state,” he said.
The president disclosed that on 5th May, 2022, he inaugurated Enugu State Customary Law Ascertainment and Codification Committee (ESCLACC) to identify, ascertain and prepare the ground for the Codification of the Enugu Customary Law of Enugu State.”
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Justice Nwaeze thanked Ugwuanyi for the honour done him.
He expressed gladness that the Court was named after him, saying that shows that Enugu State recognises him.
“My state, Enugu, is proud of me”, he said.
