“The Bar Has Spoken, But Uzodimma Won’t Listen”: Legal Luminary Blasts Imo Govt
Lawrence Nwakaeti, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, has launched a blistering attack on the Imo State Government for its continued failure to appoint a substantive Chief Judge and Attorney General, describing the situation as a blatant assault on constitutional order.
Speaking on Sunday, Nwakaeti took aim at Governor Hope Uzodimma, accusing him of deliberately stalling the judicial process seven months after the removal of Justice Chukwuemeka Chikeka over allegations of age falsification.
“The delay in appointing a new Chief Judge is not just negligent; it’s a calculated political maneuver that undermines constitutional governance,” Nwakaeti stated.
He also criticised the governor for leaving the Attorney General’s position vacant, emphasizing that both offices are vital to the smooth functioning of the judiciary.
“Anyone who has spent ten years in legal practice is constitutionally qualified to hold these offices. But this administration prefers to cut corners, ignoring established norms to serve its political agenda,” he said.
According to Nwakaeti, the state government has persistently ignored appeals from the Bar and directives from the National Judicial Council (NJC). He disclosed that the NJC had rejected the government’s initial nomination and instructed the appointment of the most senior judge within seven days—yet, five weeks later, no action has been taken.
“The Bar has complained, written, and protested. But the state government continues to disregard lawful directives. This isn’t just disrespectful; it’s unconstitutional,” he lamented.
He insisted that the judiciary must not be treated as a tool of the executive.
“The Chief Judge’s office is a constitutional institution—not a political appointment to be manipulated at will,” he warned.
Nwakaeti concluded by reiterating the fundamental principle of separation of powers, stressing that the judiciary, like the executive and legislature, must be allowed to operate independently under its rightful leadership.
