Anambra State judiciary has gotten freedom to dispense justice without fear or favour as the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano has granted financial independence to the state judiciary.

His move was in line with the desire of most Nigerians that key institutions at all levels of government were granted financial freedom to enable them carry out their respective duties without let or hinder.

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Peter Umeadi, who disclosed the governor’s decision to grant financial autonomy to the state’s judiciary on Monday at expressed delight with the state government’s action.

He revealed this while presenting vehicles to 20 newly-appointed magistrates, a deputy chief registrar and a retired director of accounts from the justice ministry in Awka.

Umeadi noted that the air of freedom came from Gov. Willie Obiano’s foresight in improving the administration of justice in the state.

According to him, the vehicle presentation was the first assignment the judiciary had performed as an independent arm of the government.

“We are here for the distribution of 22 brand new vehicles to the newly appointed deputy chief registrar, our retired chief accountant and the 20 magistrates newly appointed.

“We were able to make these purchases on our own without consulting the executive arm, which for me is legendary.

“We hope that these cars will assist them in their work, and we also hope that they will make good use of them and would no longer give excuses for lateness to work,’’ Umeadi said.

On her part, the chairman of the state branch of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mrs Vivian Udedike, commended the chief judge for acquiring the vehicles for the magistrates.

She described the gesture as an “eloquent testimony” that the chief judge was deserving of the recent award bestowed on him by the union as the father of magistrates.