Shortage of court halls and magistrates in Anambra is creating serious operational challenges, particularly in Awka.- Barr. Ken Nwanna (Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Awka Branch)
Lawyers and some judiciary stakeholders have expressed concern over the conditions of magistrates in the country saying that no magistrate in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States earn above N250,000 as monthly salary.
The stakeholders made the observations separately while responding to surveys carried out by Nigerian News Direct, on the “Welfare of Magistrates in the country”.
They also decried the working conditions of the magistrates including inadequate infrastructure and manpower in Magistrate’s Courts saying that the situation hampered effective justice delivery in the zone.
In Anambra, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Awka Branch, Mr Ken Nwanna, said the shortage of court halls and magistrates was creating serious operational challenges, particularly in Awka.
Nwanna noted that only four magistrates currently sit in Awka, a number, he said, was insufficient to handle the volume of cases in the jurisdiction.
According to him, the magistrates are compelled to share limited court halls, resulting in rotational sittings and disruptions in court proceedings.
He explained that the situation was affecting justice delivery, adding that other challenges included inadequate electricity supply, shortage of law books and poor furniture.
Nwanna also expressed concern over the lack of official vehicles for magistrates, noting that it had been a long time since such support was provided.
He stressed that increasing the number of court halls would enable the appointment of more magistrates and reduce workload pressures.
The former NBA chairman recalled that sustained advocacy had led to the ongoing renovation of High Courts in the state and urged the government to extend similar efforts to Magistrates’ Courts.
Also speaking, Mr Kingsley Agbaenyi, Chairman of the Young Lawyers Forum, NBA Awka Branch, described the working conditions in Magistrates’ Courts as poor, citing dilapidated structures and inadequate facilities.
It was gathered that many court buildings were outdated and uncomfortable for magistrates, lawyers and the public.
He said lawyers often had to procure basic materials such as files and seek external services for photocopying and printing due to lack of equipment in the courts.
According to him, many courts lack basic amenities including microphones, fans and air-conditioning systems.
Agbaenyi urged the state government to prioritise judicial funding to address the challenges.
He commended the government for ongoing renovation works in some High Courts and appealed for similar interventions in Magistrates’ Courts.
Agbaenyi also encouraged private individuals and corporate organisations to partner with the government to improve infrastructure within the judiciary.
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