Imo State Set for Judicial Overhaul as Governor Uzodimma Announces Appointment of New Chief Judge
Imo State is on the brink of a significant judicial transformation, as Governor Hope Uzodimma hinted that a new Chief Judge will soon be appointed. During an address at the New Exco Chambers in Government House, Owerri, the governor expressed his commitment to improving the justice system in the state. He tasked the newly inaugurated Judicial Service Commission (JSC) with the immediate responsibility of selecting a substantive Chief Judge for Imo.
Reflecting on the removal of the former Chief Judge by the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC), Uzodimma emphasized the importance of the JSC in ensuring the integrity of the judiciary. He called on the commission to play a pivotal role in regulating the conduct of judges and purging the system of any malpractices that could tarnish the state’s judicial reputation.
In a stern warning, the governor addressed the issue of age falsification, which has tainted the credibility of the judicial system, stressing that those engaged in such acts should immediately cease. He underscored that such actions harm both the state and the justice system. Uzodimma further instructed the commission to uphold integrity and courage by nominating only judges with impeccable records for key positions, urging them to “weather the storm” no matter who might be adversely affected.
The members of the newly constituted JSC are: Barr. Louis M. Alozie, SAN; Eze Duruiheoma, SAN; Hon. Barr. Paul Obinatu, and Hon. Lady M.M. Anyanwu. Uzodimma entrusted them with the task of sanitizing the judicial process, ensuring that only credible, sincere, and honest individuals oversee the affairs of the judiciary in Imo State.
On the same day, Governor Uzodimma also inaugurated the nominees for the boards of Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), and Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA). He explained that these appointments were part of his strategy to strengthen his administration and deliver more tangible democracy dividends to the people of Imo.
In his address to the five new Commissioners-designate – Prof. Boniface G. Nworgu, Chief Kenneth Okafor, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike, and Dr. Elias Emedom – Uzodimma emphasized their vital role in enhancing his administration’s capacity to fulfill its promises to the people. He urged them to uphold the highest ethical standards as they work to drive positive change across the state.
