By Sunny David
The Anambra State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has dismissed two magistrates and 24 judiciary workers for various acts of misconduct. The Commission’s Executive Secretary and Permanent Secretary, Chief Stanley Mbanaso, disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area.
According to Mbanaso, the disciplinary actions form part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, uphold integrity, and ensure impartiality within the state judiciary. He stated that the Commission remains committed to eliminating corruption and other forms of malpractice from the system. He added that in recent times, some magistrates have been compulsorily retired, while others including customary court officials and judiciary staff found guilty of wrongdoing have been dismissed or suspended. He described the exercise as continuous.
Mbanaso urged members of the public to submit petitions backed by sworn affidavits, noting that the Commission occasionally receives frivolous or unsubstantiated allegations against judicial officers.
He explained that while the Commission investigates complaints involving magistrates, customary court officials, and other judiciary staff, petitions concerning High Court judges are forwarded to the National Judicial Council in Abuja for appropriate action.
The Permanent Secretary, however, raised concerns over the shortage of judges and magistrates in the State, warning that the situation is affecting the speedy administration of justice.
“In the past, we had about 40 serving High Court judges. Today, we have only 29,” he said.
He noted that Anambra currently has about 64 magistrates covering 35 magisterial districts across the State’s 21 local government areas, describing the number as grossly inadequate. Mbanaso further revealed that the State judiciary ranks second only to Lagos State in the volume of pending High Court cases. However, while Lagos has about 50 judges, Anambra has just 29.
He expressed optimism that once the necessary facilities are put in place, Governor Chukwuma Soludo will approve the appointment of additional High Court judges to ease congestion in the courts and enhance the timely delivery of justice.
