Lawyers and judges in Imo State have vacated the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa building of the state high court due to fears of an imminent collapse.
Speaking at the court premises on Friday, Chris Ihentuge, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, revealed reports of the building vibrating during court sessions prompted the decision.
Ihentuge stated that he had informed Governor Hope Uzodimma two weeks earlier about the building’s deteriorating state. The governor reportedly promised to send engineers for an inspection.
Concerns over structural defects were raised during the building’s construction but were never addressed, Ihentuge noted. As a precaution, court sessions are suspended for one week to allow experts to assess the building’s safety.
“We cannot continue to risk our lives. One week will not kill us,” Ihentuge declared.
He also urged the state government to appoint a Chief Judge, lamenting that the position has been vacant for three months.
(Vanguard)