Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri formally launched the state’s electronic court filing system on Wednesday, set up to speed up the litigation process and the administration of justice in the state.
He launched the new filing system by inaugurating the redeveloped State Superior Court complex in Onopa, Yenagoa, which was rebuilt and named for the pioneering state chief judge, the late Koripamo Justice David Ungbuku.
Diri congratulated the state’s retiring Chief Justice, Judge Kate Abiri, on the construction and completion of the project in record time.
He said that electronic document filing and work-based access to court materials had become commonplace in many developed jurisdictions around the world.
The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Daniel Alabrah, praised Judge Abiri for his outstanding 13 years of service as head of the state judiciary.
He said the impressive new structure with its modern design was a sign of how far the state judiciary has progressed under his watch.
He also praised Borno State Presiding Judge Judge Kashim Zana for helping the Bayelsa judiciary achieve the feat of improving the speedy administration of justice.
Diri said it was fitting that the redeveloped court complex was named after Judge Ungbuku, describing the gesture as a mark of honor to the late jurist who meritoriously served the state.
He said: “I like to congratulate Justice Abiri for working with the executive arm of the government to provide good governance. Our prosperity administration views the judiciary as an important pillar of our democracy. And that is why we have continued to give other arms of government their fair share. What we see today is the result of that cordial working relationship.
“This building is named after the late judge Ungbuku. I view this as an act of remembrance and honor for those who have served our state. Judge Ungbuku is actually one of our heroes from the past in the Bayelsa State judiciary.”
He also praised the local contractor, Ing. Iniebi Warikoru, for doing an impressive job and recommended him to the state Ministries of Public Works and Housing and Urban Development.
In her remarks, Justice Kate Abiri expressed her appreciation to the Governor for his administration’s support, particularly for the prompt release of funds for capital projects in the judiciary.
The chief judge said the benefits of the electronic filing process cannot be overstated, noting that members of the Bar and Judges Association were ready to embrace the technology as training was already underway.
Abiri, who also unveiled the address of the practice at the event, explained that the redevelopment of the complex, which originally had two courthouses and 24 offices, was completed in six months, equipped with two new courthouses and 12 additional offices.
Also speaking, Borno State Presiding Judge Judge Kashim Zana said that with the e-filing technology in place, wherever there is an internet connection, lawyers can file their cases anywhere in the world to help speedy administration. of Justice.
Judge Zana also announced that the first lawyer to use it would win the National Judicial Council award.
The late Judge Ungbuku’s first son, Owendu Ungbuku, expressed his thanks to the governor and Abiri for the honor done to his father who, he noted, served in the state judiciary for six years after serving as Rivers State Chief Judge for four years.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the state president, the Nigerian Bar Association, Ukunbiriowei Saiyou, Larry Selekeowei and Thompson Okpoko.
