By Tony Okafor, Awka
Two magistrates and 24 judiciary workers in Anambra State have been dismissed over various acts of misconduct, the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has said.
The Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Barr. Stanley Mbanaso, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, on Thursday.
Mbanaso said the disciplinary action formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, integrity and impartiality in the state’s judiciary.
“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, as well as members of customary courts and staff of the judiciary found wanting. It is a continuous process.”
He explained that the Commission operates a standing three-man Investigation and Disciplinary Committee to probe allegations against judicial officers and workers.
According to him, the committee is headed by the oldest non-statutory member of the Commission, while the Executive Secretary serves as its secretary.
Mbanaso urged members of the public to report corrupt practices and misconduct in the judiciary, stressing that such complaints must be supported with credible evidence.
“We advise the general public to submit petitions backed with affidavit evidence. This is necessary because some individuals sometimes make frivolous and unsubstantiated allegations against judicial officers.”
He clarified 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.
Mbanaso also raised concerns over the shortage of judges and magistrates in the state, warning that the situation was hampering the timely dispensation of justice.
“There are not enough judges and magistrates in Anambra State,” he said. “In the past, we had about 40 serving High Court judges. Today, we have only 29.”
He added that the state currently has about 64 magistrates to serve 35 magisterial districts across its 21 local government areas, describing the number as grossly inadequate.
According to him, the 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 that increasing the number of magistrates was also critical to improving access to justice at the grassroots.
“It is a work in progress,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure discipline in the judiciary and provide the manpower needed to guarantee quick and efficient justice delivery across the state.”
