— Calls It an Affront to Judicial Independence, Demands Restoration of Constitutional Order
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, Chief Chris Ihentuge, KSM, has called on the Imo State House of Assembly to immediately repeal the controversial High Court (Amendment) Law 2022, describing it as a grave threat to judicial independence and a clear violation of the Constitution.
Speaking at the Special High Court Session marking the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the Imo State Judiciary yesterday October 30, 2025, Chief Ihentuge decried what he termed a “curious and unconstitutional provision” in Section 42(2) of the law, which empowers the Chief Registrar to assign case files “where there is no substantive Chief Judge.”
“This provision is flagrantly inconsistent with Section 271(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which vests such powers exclusively in the Acting Chief Judge whenever the office of Chief Judge is vacant,” Ihentuge stated.
“The Bar views this as a direct affront to the constitutional principle of judicial independence and the proper hierarchy of judicial authority. We therefore call on the Imo State House of Assembly to urgently repeal this offending provision in the interest of constitutional order.”
The NBA Chairman warned that should the Assembly fail to act, the Bar “will have no choice but to invoke appropriate legal processes to challenge it and restore the supremacy of the Constitution.”
“Our position is not born out of confrontation but of conscience,” he continued. “No administrative convenience or political influence should be permitted to erode the sacred autonomy of the Judiciary.”
Delivering his speech under the theme “Rekindling Judicial Excellence: The Bar, the Bench and the Burden of Restoration,” Chief Ihentuge underscored the urgent need to rebuild public confidence in the justice system.
“When citizens lose faith in the machinery of justice, the rule of law itself is weakened,” he observed. “To rekindle excellence, we must accept the burden of restoration — a burden that is collective, continuous, and candid. It is a burden that the Bench and the Bar must carry together.”
He cautioned against rising cases of discourtesy from some judicial officers and court staff toward lawyers, describing such conduct as “harmful to the dignity of the court and corrosive to public confidence in the judiciary.”
“There cannot be a Bench without a Bar, and there cannot be a Bar without a Bench,” he stressed. “The mutual respect between the two is the oxygen of our legal system.”
Chief Ihentuge also drew attention to the deplorable state of many court facilities in the state, describing them as “unworthy of temples of justice.”
He commended the Acting Chief Judge for recent improvements, such as the installation of solar systems, but maintained that “a decrepit court is a signal to the citizenry that justice is low priority.”
“The State Government must deepen its investment in the judiciary — not as a favour but as a constitutional responsibility,” he declared. “Provision of official vehicles for judges, renovation of courtrooms, digitalization of records, and improvement in the working environment should receive urgent and sustained attention.”
The NBA Chairman further appealed for the resumption of Monday court sittings in Owerri, noting that the earlier security concerns that justified their suspension have since subsided.
“Virtually all other public institutions have resumed normal Monday operations,” he said. “The continued suspension of court sittings on that day in the capital city has become counterproductive, causing delays, congestion, and loss of valuable judicial time.”
Chief Ihentuge also spoke on the grievances of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) members and Law Officers in the Ministry of Justice, highlighting unpaid salary arrears, non-inclusion in minimum wage adjustments, and unprocessed pensions.
“Addressing these issues is not just a matter of labour relations; it is an act of justice itself,” he insisted. “The dedication of judiciary workers under difficult circumstances keeps the wheels of justice turning, and they deserve fairness and dignity.”
He called on the State Government to resolve all outstanding arrears, implement a proper salary structure for judicial workers, and ensure prompt pension captures for retirees.
Chief Ihentuge reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to the independence of the judiciary, ethical practice, and collaboration with the Executive in building a credible justice system.
“The Nigerian Bar Association wishes to state clearly and respectfully that our advocacy is never against any individual or arm of government,” he said. “We are not adversaries; we are partners in the pursuit of justice.”
He ended with a stirring call for collective responsibility in restoring the judiciary’s dignity and public trust:
“Restoring public trust will require sustained action over months and years, not beautiful speeches only,” he said.
“The Bar will continue to offer constructive guidance and honest counsel. Our criticisms, when they arise, will never be borne out of malice but of conscience. We seek only that justice flows down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
