NJC Directs Uzodimma to Reverse Acting Chief Judge’s Appointment
The National Judicial Council (NJC) has invalidated the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodimma, ordering the immediate reversal of the decision.
At its 108th meeting held in Abuja, the NJC directed that the most senior judge in the Imo State High Court be appointed as Acting Chief Judge, in line with Section 271 (4) of the Constitution, which governs such appointments.
According to a statement issued late Wednesday by NJC spokesperson Mrs. Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, the Council emphasized that the Constitution does not grant governors the discretion to bypass the seniority rule in the judiciary.
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The statement reads:
“The NJC resolved that Justice Nzeukwu should be issued a query to show cause within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for presenting himself to be sworn in as the acting CJ of Imo State.”
“It also resolved that the President of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal, Justice V. U. Okorie, Imo State, who acted as Interim Chairman of Imo State Judicial Service Commission and recommended the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu should also show cause within seven days why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for his complicity in the recommendation.”
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of judicial processes and governance in Imo State.
