Lawyers and judges in Imo State vacated the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa building of the state high court due to fears of an imminent collapse.
Speaking at the courthouse on Friday, Chris Ihentuge, Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, explained that complaints of the building shaking during court proceedings drove the decision.
Ihentuge added that he contacted Governor Hope Uzodimma about the building’s deterioration two weeks ago. The governor allegedly agreed to send engineers for an inspection.
Concerns about structural flaws were identified during the building’s construction but were never rectified, Ihentuge explained. As a precaution, court hearings will be postponed 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 encouraged the state government to appoint a chief judge, regretting that the office has been empty for three months.
