By Ella Michaels
A structural defect in one of the Federal High Court buildings in Imo State has led to the temporary suspension of court sittings. The building, which is one of the tallest in the premises, was reportedly shaking, prompting lawyers to refuse entry due to safety concerns.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has suspended judiciary activities in the building for one week, pending proper maintenance. Chris Ihentuge, NBA State Chairman, announced the suspension while speaking to journalists in front of the collapsing structure at the Federal High Court.
Ihentuge revealed that the building had structural defects prior to occupation, but the state government failed to fulfill its promise to conduct an integrity test. He emphasized that the issue has been lingering, with numerous complaints about the building's condition.
According to Ihentuge, "I was reliably informed that as at yesterday (Thursday) while one of the courts was on, one of the buildings was vibrating. I have made calls to the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court who confirmed that The Lord, Onyeukwu, had informed her of the incident.
I also heard from another Judge that the building was terribly shaking two days ago while the court was sitting."
Ihentuge stressed that the NBA has warned lawyers and litigants that it is risky using the shaking judiciary building. He called on the state government and other well-meaning members of society to quickly intervene to improve the judiciary for the good of humanity and the advancement of society.
The NBA State Chairman also expressed concern about the need for a Chief Judge to be appointed for the Imo State Judiciary, which has been without a leader for nearly three months. "A situation where we do not have a Chief Judge going to 3 months, is not acceptable. Because we cannot remain like this without a leader," he maintained.
Ihentuge had previously notified the Governor of the building's condition during a media chat, but no action was taken. "As at last 2 weeks when the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, had a media chat, I informed the Governor that this building is in bad shape. The Governor confirmed he had received that complaint and that he will do integrity test on the building and up till today nothing has happened," he said.
The suspension of court sittings has raised concerns about the safety of court users and the need for urgent action to address the building's structural defects.
