Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has established a specialized Small Claims Court dedicated to handling cases involving claims of N5 million or less.
This initiative aims to streamline minor financial disputes, offering a quicker, simpler, and more cost-effective resolution avenue for citizens while alleviating the strain on the judicial system.
At the inauguration event held at the Hon. Justice B.A Njemanze pavilion, Deputy Governor Professor Placid Njoku, representing Governor Uzodinma, stressed the crucial role of time-sensitive and empathetic judges in effectively managing cases within the Small Claims Court.
This specialized court possesses the authority to adjudicate on small-value financial disputes, distinguishing itself from traditional courts through simplified procedures and relaxed formalities, ensuring swifter resolutions and reduced costs for litigants.
During the event, the Imo Chief Judge, Honourable Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, highlighted the cumbersome nature of the conventional justice system, prone to time-consuming delays due to case backlogs and various complexities. The Small Claims Court, regulated by the Imo State Magistrates Courts Law Practice Directions 2023 effective from December 1, 2023, addresses these challenges.
Justice Chikeka stressed the evolving nature of law, necessitating continuous knowledge updates to meet evolving changes.
She underscored the Small Claims Court’s benefits, aligning with the governor’s people-oriented policies, and emphasized collaboration with the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to foster its success.
Highlighting the significance of a people-centric justice system, Justice Chikeka emphasized the Courts’ role as the last refuge for the common man, underscoring the imperative of timely justice delivery. The Small Claims Court has a set maximum duration of sixty (60) working days for case determinations, aligning with the ethos of swift justice delivery.