By Anayo Okoli
UMUAHIA A Federal High Court judge, Justice G.M. Umar, Wednesday frowned on the delay tactics being applied by lawyers in handling of matters before the court, saying the act was inimical to the development of the judiciary.

Justice Umar of Umuahia Federal High Court made this observation while hearing the suit filed by Chief Okezie Ahamefula challenging the dissolution of the executive committee of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the National Executive Committee of the party.

According to Justice Umar,  such counsel who habitually delay hearings in matters before the court are not helping the development of the judiciary.  He  said “justice delayed is justice denied”.

Justice Umar called on such lawyers to buckle up or be ready to lose the confidence of their clients.

He noted that as vanguard of justice and democracy, legal practitioners should always endeavour to assist in quick dispensation of cases in the court to avoid break down of law and order in the society.

Umar further noted that in view of the seriousness the plaintiff attached to the case and the scheduled primaries of the party in January, the court could not afford to be a party to any act that would stall the exercise.

He, therefore, adjourned the matter to tomorrow for definite submission and adoption of arguments by both parties.

Ahamefula, the chairman of the Umuahia South Local Government Area chapter of the party, has gone to the court praying it to nullify the said dissolution of the executive committee and declare it null and void.