FG To CONSTRUCT NEW FEDERAL HIGH COURT COMPLEX IN MAKURDI
Cross section of Federal High Court Representatives, NBA Makurdi Branch Members, and Contractors
By Prosper Okoye –
Nigeria’s Federal Government is set to begin the construction of a second Federal High Court complex, at adjecent Tonimas Plaza, along Railway Bye-pass High-level, Makudi, the Benue state capital.
The new court building became necessary as result of the insecurity challenges the present court building is exposed to, at North bank area, and its inaccessibility to the public.
Speaking today, Jan. 24, on the occasion of the official site taking over from the Benue State Government, and handing over to the contractor, the Federal High Court Chief Registrar Emmanuel Garko, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Hon. Justice Terhemba Tsoho , appreciated Governor Samuel Ortom, for the provision of land on which the project is to be sited.
“From my experience, it is always difficult for state governments to give lands to court projects in urban areas. Most times after giving out lands, and we commence work, they turn back to collect the Land.”
He thanked the Chief Judge of Benue state, Hon. Justice Aondover Kaka’an, for intitiating the project.
“This project is a brain child of the Chief Judge, and I believe he will see to its completion.”
Mr. Garko also praised the efforts of Oscar Aorabee Esq, in processing the land documents that ensures proper documentation, which will forestall future Land disputes.
While promising to collaborate with the Makurdi branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the host community to see that the project meets the yearnings of development and ease to justice of the people in the state.
He noted that the project was awarded to the contractor (Zihabit Limited) strictly on merit. “I have never met with the Director of the company before today, the Quantity Surveyors looked at the documents that were submitted, saw what the company has done in the past, and awarded the project to them out of the 220 contractors who bided for the contract.” He also urged the contractor to commence construction soonest, assuring them that the ministry will make available every payment due, and on time.
Chairman of NBA Makurdi Branch, Justin Ggbagir, spoke about the potency of the project to meet the need of the lawyers and litigants when completed. “One month ago, we met the judge at the North bank Federal High Court, to complain of the numerous cases pending in the court, which is a challenge in accessing justice.
“We as a Bar, will ensure that this land is secured. When the construction commences, we will always come around to see how the work is faring, and to give our advice. So that at the end of the day, we will have a project that will stand the test of time and meet the purpose for which it was embarked upon.”
The land where the New Federal High court will be sited, is currently used as a parking store by the State Water Board, a parastatal under the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment.
General Manager of State Water Board, Gideon Shenge, said at the occasion that the agency is delighted to release the land to the court, as it is for the development of the state. He also promised to give the “best cooperation” to the contractor when called upon.
Highlight of the occasion was the signing of contract papers by the Chief registrar and other stakeholders.
