Gov Diri inaugurates electronic filing court system in Bayelsa

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday inaugurated the country’s first electronic court filing system, to speed up the litigation process and the administration of justice.

Mr. Diri, who launched the new filing system at the remodeled State High Court complex in Onopa, Yenagoa, named it after the pioneer chief judge of the state, the late Koripamo Ungbuku.

The governor congratulated the Chief Justice, Kate Abiri, for the speedy construction and completion of the project.

He said electronic filing of documents and work-based access to court materials has become common place in many jurisdictions around the world.

Presenting Mrs. Abiri for her outstanding service of 15 years as the head of the state judiciary, Mr. Diri said the new impressive structure with its modern design is a sign of how much the state’s courts have progressed under her supervision.

He commended the Chief Judge of Borno State, Kashim Zana, for helping the Bayelsa judiciary achieve the feat of promoting speedy administration of justice.

The governor said the newly modeled court complex was named after Justice Ungbuku, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for the late jurist who served the country well.

“I am happy to commend Judge Abiri for working with the government executive to administer good governance. Our prosperity administration sees the judiciary as an important pillar of our democracy.

“That’s why we continue to give another government without any obstacles. What we see now is the result of a good working relationship.

“This building was named after the late Hakim Ungbuku. I see this as a reminder and honor to those who have served our country. Justice Ungbuku is actually one of our heroes in court in Bayelsa State,” he said.

The governor also commended the local contractor, Iniebi Warikoru, for delivering an “impressive job” and recommended it to the state’s Ministries of Works, Housing and Urban Development.

The chief justice said

In his speech, Justice Abir thanked the governor for his administration’s support, especially the speedy release of funds for capital projects in the court.

The chief judge said the benefits of the electronic filing process can not be over-emphasized, noting that members of the Bar and Bench are ready to embrace technology as training has been active.

Ms. Abiri, who also revealed the direction of practice at the event, explained that the re-modeling of the complex, which originally consisted of two court halls and 24 offices, was completed in six months, and was equipped with the addition of two new court halls and 12 offices.

Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Borno State, Kashim Zana, said that with electronic filing technology in places, where there is internet connection, lawyers can file cases anywhere in the world for quick help in the dispensation of justice.

Mr. Zana also announced that the first lawyer to use it will win the prize of the National Council of Justice.

The first son of the late Judge Ungbuku, Owendu Ungbuku, expressed his appreciation to the governor and Judge Abiri for the honor shown to his father, who he noted served in the state court for six years after serving as the Chief Judge of Rivers State for four years.

The goodwill message was delivered by the State Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Okunbiriowei Saiyo, Larry Selekeowei and Thompson Okpoko.

(IN)