The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sagbama Branch, has expressed concern over the management of security votes by state governors while endorsing calls for the establishment of special courts to accelerate the prosecution of kidnapping and banditry cases across the country.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the Chairman of the NBA Sagbama Branch, Mr. Ogheneochuko Sampson, said dedicated courts could help fast-track justice in security-related cases but warned that inadequate funding and infrastructure could hinder their effectiveness.

According to Sampson, the creation of special courts would require strong political commitment, including the recruitment of additional judges, provision of court facilities, and sustained financial support.

“The problem is not just creating the courts. Are the politicians ready to fund those courts? Are they ready to employ more judges? Infrastructure must also be provided,” he said.

The legal practitioner also questioned the use of security votes by state governments, arguing that authorities should account for how such funds are deployed in tackling insecurity.

He further called for a thorough investigation into how criminal groups acquire sophisticated firearms, stressing that addressing the root causes of insecurity is as important as prosecuting offenders.

“The issue of insecurity still goes back to the executive arm of government. What are governments doing with their security budgets? How did these criminals come into possession of these firearms? These are questions that need to be answered and checked,” Sampson stated.

On the judiciary in Bayelsa State, the NBA chairman commended the level of cooperation between the executive and judicial arms of government, attributing improvements in justice delivery to enhanced infrastructure and better welfare for judicial officers.

He praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for investing in court facilities across the state, noting that improved infrastructure has strengthened access to justice, particularly in local government areas.

“I can proudly tell you that the Bayelsa State judiciary is one of the best in Nigeria when it comes to infrastructure,” he said.

Sampson explained that security concerns and transportation challenges previously forced some judges to sit in Yenagoa instead of remote locations such as Brass, but ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Nembe–Brass road, are expected to improve accessibility.

He also noted significant progress in access to justice in Ekeremor, Sagbama and other parts of the state.

Assessing the overall performance of the judiciary in Bayelsa, Sampson awarded it 80 percent, citing efficient judicial processes and a healthy relationship between the bench and the bar.

“The judges are really trying, and the justice system is moving in a positive direction. We are getting to a point where we can beat our chests about our progress. The justice system in Bayelsa State is lovely, and we have a wonderful relationship between the bar and the bench,” he added.