Some residents of oil-rich Delta State have taken to social media to castigate Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the state of a dilapidated court in former governor James Ibori’s home town, Oghara, headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
The state of the customary court, located in Oghara community, has been described by some people as shameful and disgraceful. Condemning the state of the court, a Delta State-based lawyer, Oritsejuro Gbubemi told SaharaReporters that the bad state of the court could be attributed to corruption.“
Nigeria is the citadel of corruption, and this has been shown in all institutions times without number. It is not only the Judiciary which has been neglected. However, as an arm of government, it should as a matter of necessity be adequately taken care of. That will give people the confidence to approach the throne of justice. The masses have complained that such a court cannot give justice.
“The importance of the Judiciary is downplayed with the sorry state of this court. I was equally shocked when I got to the courtroom myself. The relationship between the arms of government is not negotiable. The judiciary plays an integral role in civic society.
“Such a neglect by the state government destroys the confidence in the system. We are calling on the Delta State Government to please come to the aid of the Judiciary and rescue the legal system from chaos and ridicule, so that the masses will have faith and confidence in our legal system. We will not go to bed while our system is constantly rubbished by greedy politicians,” Gbubemi stated.
Commenting on Facebook, Hosanna Raymond asked, “Is this a court or shrine? And lawyers still go there for their cases for a place that is not conducive. What kind of judgement will the presiding judge or president give at the end of the day?
”Eric Okomado also asked on Facebook, “Can someone get justice here?
”Also lamenting the sorry state of the court, Ochuko Harry Avwenghagha posted on Facebook, “That is Nigeria for you. I think is the fault of the judiciary. The judiciary should take it up. No one will take it for me. Or make una gather money do am na. All the affidavit money make dem gather am do am make he neat small..Now I see why people nor dey like carry matter go court. Just take the matter to the church.”
Others who spoke on the state of the court, said it’s a big shame that such a court could still exist in the state.
