Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi, has revealed that a total of 36,712 cases were pending in various courts across the Judiciary Divisions in the state.

Justice Amadi made the disclosure during a special court session to mark the beginning of the 2023/2024 legal year of the State Judiciary.

The event was held yesterday at the Chief Judge’s ceremonial court, State High Court Complex, Port Harcourt.

Justice Amadi further disclosed that 36,899 cases were brought forward from the past legal years, adding that 17,784 cases were filed within the year, and out of the number, 17,874 cases were disposed of within the period under review.

He, however, noted that he received a total of 50 petitions from lawyers and litigants seeking the transfer of their cases already assigned to magistrates and judges, stressing that such frivolous petitions hamper the smooth dispensation of justice.

He used the opportunity to call for the employment of 300 staff for the state judiciary to address the manpower deficiency currently affecting the judiciary.

He also expressed the gratitude of the state judiciary to Governor Siminalaye Fubara for his support, expressing optimism that he would address some of the identified challenges.

Also speaking, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zaccheaus Adangor, decried the unprofessional conduct of some members of the profession that tarnish the integrity of judges without pieces of evidence when they lose cases.

On his part, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha (SAN), who spoke on behalf of the inner Bar, commended the state judiciary for the various feats achieved within the period under review, urging members of the profession to maintain the oath of the legal practice.