From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri recorded another feat on Wednesday, when he led senior court officials and government officials to launch Nigeria’s first electronic court filing system.

The bill, which is one of the legacies to be left behind by Bayelsa State Chief Justice Judge Kate Abiri when she steps down from the bench, is expected to expedite the litigation process and the administration of justice in the state.

Diri, who launched the new filing system by inaugurating the redeveloped State Superior Court complex in Onopa, Yenagoa, named after the state’s pioneering chief judge, the late Koripamo Judge David Ungbuku, congratulated Abiri on the construction and completion of the project in record time.

A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted Diri as noting that electronic filing of documents and work-based access to court materials had become commonplace in many developed jurisdictions around the world. the world.

He praised Judge Abiri for her outstanding 13 years of service as head of the state judiciary, adding that the impressive new structure with its modern design is a sign of how far the state judiciary has progressed under her watch.

Diri also took the opportunity to congratulate Borno State Presiding Judge Judge Kashim Zana for helping the Bayelsa judiciary achieve the feat of improving the speedy administration of justice.

The governor 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.

“I like to congratulate Judge 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 in the Bayelsa State judiciary.”

In her remarks, Judge Abiri expressed her appreciation to Senator Diri for his administration’s support, particularly the prompt release of funds for capital projects in the judiciary.

The chief judge said the benefits of the e-filing process cannot be overstated, noting that Bar Association and Court members 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 and 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 will win the National Judicial Council award.