Two Magistrates, 24 judiciary workers sacked in Anambra for misconduct

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By Madu Obi

Two magistrates and 24 other judiciary workers in Anambra State have been dismissed over various alleged acts of misconduct.

The Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary of the State Judicial Service Commission, Mr. Stanley Mbanaso, disclosed this to journalists in Awka, said the disciplinary action formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, integrity and impartiality in the state’s judiciary.

He said: “We have taken firm and proactive measures to ensure that corruption and all forms of malfeasance are eradicated from the system.

“In the recent past, the Commission has compulsorily retired some magistrates and dismissed or suspended others. They include members of Customary Courts and staff of the judiciary found wanting. It is a continuous process.”

He said that the Commission operates a standing three-man Investigation and Disciplinary Committee to probe allegations against judicial officers and workers, explaining that the committee is headed by the oldest non-statutory member of the Commission, while the Executive Secretary serves as its secretary.

The Executive Secretary called on members of the public to report corrupt practices and misconduct in the judiciary, pointing out that such complaints must be supported with credible evidence.

He also advised the general public to submit petitions backed with affidavit evidence, adding that this is necessary because some individuals sometimes make frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against judicial officers.”

Mbanaso explained that while the state Commission investigates complaints against magistrates, customary court officials and judiciary workers, petitions involving High Court judges are forwarded to the National Judicial Council in Abuja for appropriate action.

He also raised concerns over the shortage of judges and magistrates in the state, noting that the situation was hampering the timely dispensation of justice.

“There are not enough judges and magistrates in Anambra State, In the past, we had about 40 serving High Court judges. Today, we have only 29.”

"The state currently has about 64 magistrates to serve 35 magisterial districts across the 21 local government areas. This number is grossly inadequate.

The Anambra state judiciary ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of pending High Court cases, yet Lagos has about 50 judges compared to Anambra’s 29.

Once all necessary facilities are in place, we are hopeful that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo will approve the appointment of more High Court judges

That will help decongest the courts and enhance speedy dispensation of justice", he added.

According to him, increasing the number of magistrates was also critical to improving access to justice at the grassroots.

“It is a work in progress. Our goal is to ensure discipline in the judiciary and provide the manpower needed to guarantee quick and efficient justice delivery across the state", Mbanaso concluded.