BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Anambra Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi has advised 20 magistrates and a Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR) in the state to live above board in the discharge of their duties.
Umeadi gave the advice on Monday while swearing-in the 20 new magistrates and a Deputy Chief Registrar in Awka.
The 16 female and four male magistrates are Juliet Arinze, Moses Kanu, Obiamaka Ezebilo-Nnedu, Ijeoma Igbokwe, Chika Nwakamma, Catherine Chigbo, N.G.C. Maduakor, Nwadi Ani-Nnaka, Stella Ezeudeka and Moneke Onyekwuru.
Others are Chidimma Nduka, Ebere Onunkwo, Chizoba Stanley-Udo, Martins Adumah, Peter Eke, Eyiuche Okosi, Uzoma Udeze, Rebeka Agwunobi, Nonye Anyaegbunam, Clara Ogugua and Mr Eugene Agbasionwe, a Deputy Chief Registrar.
Umeadi noted that the task before them was enormous as a result of the just ended four months strike embarked upon by the state Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).
'You have come at a time when the state Judiciary is being repositioned. We therefore, ask for your best,' he said.
The chief judge disclosed that more magistrates will be appointed soon as a bill which sought the appointment of revenue magistrates is passed by the state House of Assembly.
He expressed hope that the process of selection of the magistrates will engender them to be the best in the country.
'I charge you to emulate your senior magistrates in your mode of dressing, behavior, application to work, guarding of your honour and integrity,' he said.
He said the state judiciary was also working to bring back court room police officers to the magistracy.
Umeadi commended Gov. Willie Obiano of Anmabra for constructing 14 court buildings which he said, had yielded 28 magistrate court halls.
He however urged the governor of the need to allocate land for construction of buildings to house new judges in the state.
Umeadi further appealed to the governor to show magnanimity towards the realisation of full autonomy for the judiciary in the state.
The chief judge explained that the appointment of the Agbasionwe as DCR was necessitated by the elevation of the former DCR, Mrs Irene Ndigwe to a judge in the state high court.
He noted that the appointment of the DCR will help decentralise duties and achieve speed in delivering services to the public.
Responding on behalf of the magistrates, Mrs Juliet Arinze, commended the chief judge for the appointment and assured that they will not disappoint the confidence reposed in them.
Also, the DCR, who promised to work for the progress of the state judiciary, assured the chief judge that he will discharge his duties diligently.