Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the new Federal High Court Complex being built by the State government will reflect the quality and standard known of projects it has always delivered to the judiciary.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying for the new Federal High Court Complex along Forces Avenue in Old GRA, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, governor Wike said the effort is part of commitment to distinguishing Rivers State from other States.
The foundation stone was laid by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon Justice John Terhemba Tsoho.
Governor Wike made an offer to the federal government asking it to consider relinquishing the premises of the current Federal High Court to the Rivers State government to enable it build more structures for the State High Court.
In exchange, governor Wike said, the Rivers State government will build befitting residences for judges of the Federal High Court, which will be within the Old GRA, Port Harcourt, and they would cease paying rents anymore.
Governor Wike also explained that the land upon which the new Federal High Court Complex is being built was once owned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
He said the land was taken under the public policy, because the Nigerian Railway Corporation refused to maintain their structures on the land
Governor Wike pointed to the South-South liaison office of the Federal Judicial Institute built on a part of the land, while the other half will house the new Federal High Court Complex.
The governor also declared that the adjacent building, also owned by Nigerian Railways Corporation, which has just been recently painted, instead of being rebuilt, will be taken over.
He assured that the public policy order will be signed to revoke their ownership of the land.
Laying the foundation stone, Chief Judge of Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho thanked the Rivers State government for the benevolence, and said the administration of justice will become more efficient and effective.
Such efficiency, he noted, is what will certainly strengthen the judiciary because without such capacity democracy cannot also survive.
According to him, the court building will accommodate more judicial officers and enhance robust legal practice.
He further stated, that new court building on its completion will offer judges and staff a safe and congenial environment to do their jobs.
Providing a description of the new Federal High Court complex, Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinama Alabo said it is a three-storey building that has a total of 8 courtrooms, 8 offices for judges, a 500 seating capacity hall, two meeting rooms, and 4 elevators.
