Residents lambast Governor Okowa over poor state of community court

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has faced backlash from some residents over the dilapidated state of the court in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

A Delta State-based lawyer, Oritsejuro Gbubemi, said the dire state of the court could be attributed to corruption, Sahara reports.

“Nigeria is the citadel of corruption, and this has been shown in all institutions times without number. It is not only the Judiciary that 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 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.

In a comment 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.”