Addressing lawyers and litigants at the court on Friday, Chris Ihentuge, chairman of the Owerri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), highlighted growing fears over structural defects in the building, which was constructed during the administration of former governor Rochas Okorocha.
Ihentuge revealed that the court has been experiencing vibrations during sittings, a worrying development confirmed by multiple judges.
“I have been reliably informed that while court was sitting yesterday, the building was vibrating. I made calls to the chief registrar, and she confirmed that Justice Onyeukwu complained and informed her about the incident,” he said.
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“I also heard from another judge that two days ago the same thing happened, and this issue has been lingering even before this building was put to use; there were complaints about structural defects in the building and we complained, but nothing happened.”
He called for an immediate suspension of court activities for at least one week to allow experts to assess the structure’s safety.
“We cannot risk our lives. One week will not kill us. Let us suspend activities in this building,” he said.
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“Let it be on record that the NBA Owerri branch has warned lawyers and litigants that it is risky to use this building as it is now. That is why we are complaining that a chief judge should be appointed for the Imo state judiciary.”
Ihentuge also raised concerns about the prolonged vacancy in the office of the chief judge of Imo state, which has lasted nearly three months.
“It is unacceptable that we have been without a chief judge for almost three months. The absence of leadership is worsening the judiciary’s problems. Who do we even complain to?” You cannot walk up these stairs during the day without a torchlight,” he added.
“Judges are not sitting because there is no electricity. We have to remove our wigs and gowns because there are no fans. Nothing is working. This building, as it stands, is not safe.”
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