Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced plans to commission 10 newly constructed courthouses and flag off the construction of ultra modern court complexes in Aba and Umuahia as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of justice in the state.
Governor Otti made this known on Tuesday, while addressing members of the judiciary during the opening of the 2026 Legal Year, which started with a thanks giving service. Where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the judiciary while respecting the constitutional boundaries separating the three arms of government.
The governor explained that 10 additional courthouses would be commissioned upon the judiciary’s return from the legal year programme, while five more would be completed and commissioned before the end of 2026.
The remaining courthouse, located in Ukwa East Local Government Area, is expected to be commissioned early next year.
According to him, the decision to terminate and re-award the contract for the Ukwa East courthouse followed the contractor’s failure to demonstrate sufficient commitment to the project.
“By the time you finish the programme for this year, the legal year, and return, we should be commissioning additional 10 new courthouses that we have built,” Otti said.
He added that the ultra-modern court complexes planned for Aba and Umuahia would be flagged off next month, with each facility featuring an auditorium capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people.
“And of course, we will also flag off the construction of the ultra-modern court complexes both in Aba and Umuahia next month.
“Each of them will have an auditorium that will seat up to 1,000 people,” the governor stated.
Otti described the judiciary as an indispensable component of government, stressing that effective governance requires cooperation among the executive, legislature and judiciary, alongside strict adherence to their respective constitutional responsibilities.
“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,” he said.
The governor assured judicial officers that his administration would continue to respect the independence of the judiciary, noting that his interactions with judicial authorities were not intended to influence their decisions.
“And one thing you can be sure with us is that we will always maintain those lines. And that is why, like I said the other day, you hardly get me call you to say do this or do that. When I call you, it’s to greet you,” he said.
He added that the same principle of mutual cooperation and respect applied to the relationship between the executive and the legislature.
On efforts to improve the justice delivery system, Otti said his administration was committed to providing a conducive working environment for judicial officers while expanding the digitalisation of government processes across the three arms of government.
“We continue with the digitalisation of the entire process of government, both at the executive, the judiciary, and the legislature,” he stated.
According to the governor, the digitalisation initiative is aimed at making government services more efficient and accessible to the people, adding that the process was ongoing.
The governor also commended members of the judiciary for their cooperation with his administration, particularly in ensuring compliance with due process in governance.
“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,” Otti said.
He expressed optimism that the new legal year would be successful, while acknowledging the prayers and support of religious leaders for his administration.
Otti concluded by congratulating the judiciary on the commencement of the 2026 Legal Year and wishing judicial officers success in their responsibilities.
The announcement forms part of the Abia State Government’s broader efforts to improve judicial infrastructure, modernise public institutions and strengthen the administration of justice across the state.
