“No Chief Judge, No Attorney General” — Odinkalu Blasts Uzodinma Over Inaction, Says Imo Vacation Courts Ground To Halt

Prominent human rights advocate and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has raised concerns over the ongoing absence of a Chief Judge in Imo State, warning that it has led to a complete halt of vacation court activities across the state this season.

Odinkalu highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) that the refusal of Governor Hope Uzodinma to formalize the appointment of a Chief Judge has caused the suspension of vacation courts, resulting in “unimaginable” consequences for court users. He further noted that members of the Nigerian Bar Association in Imo State are facing destitution as a direct result of the impasse.

TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that Imo currently has no Chief Judge or Attorney General, despite clear directives from the National Judicial Council (NJC). The NJC had rejected a flawed nomination and instructed that the most senior judge be appointed as Chief Judge within seven days.

Weeks after the NJC directive, the state judiciary continues to operate without a constitutionally recognized head, raising serious concerns over governance, justice delivery, and the overall administration of the legal system in Imo State.