“Swear In The Acting Chief Judge Now” — Lawyer Tells Gov. Uzodimma, Decries Delay As Constitutional Breach Months After NJC Directive
A legal practitioner and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, Chinedu Agu, Esq., has called on Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State to immediately swear in the appointed Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice I.O. Agugua, describing the continued delay as a serious breach of constitutional duty and judicial independence.
In an open letter dated August 1, 2025, Chinedu Agu, Esq., a Solicitor, Notary Public, and Past Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owerri Branch, expressed concern over the governor’s failure to formalize the appointment announced eight days ago.
Governor Uzodimma had announced on July 23, 2025, through a state-owned radio station, the appointment of Hon. Justice I.O. Agugua, the most senior judge of the Imo State High Court, as Acting Chief Judge. However, no formal swearing-in ceremony has taken place, nor has any instrument of appointment been issued.
“A judge cannot exercise the powers of Acting Chief Judge without the proper oath of office and instruments of appointment. Anything short of this undermines not only judicial autonomy but also the constitutional integrity of your office,” Agu stated in the letter.
The lawyer invoked Igbo cultural tradition, noting that “izu ukwu” (eight market days) represents a complete traditional week and a fair opportunity for action. He warned that when such time passes without action, it is culturally interpreted as deliberate inaction or disregard.
“Why has the appointed Acting Chief Judge not been formally sworn in? Why has no instrument of appointment been issued to the appointed judge? Why is the Imo State Judiciary still without a constitutionally recognised head?” Agu questioned.
The legal practitioner cautioned that the continued leadership vacuum in the judiciary could embolden “forces that thrive in confusion” and reminded the governor that upholding the Constitution is not optional but a solemn duty.
“In some jurisdictions where the legislative arm is alive to its constitutional responsibilities, persistent and willful violation of constitutional provisions, such as this, may attract consequences as grave as impeachment,” Agu noted, emphasizing that this was “not a threat it is a constitutional reality and civic duty.”
The letter particularly highlighted the irony of the executive neglecting the judiciary, “whose legitimacy was forged by the very institution now being neglected.”
Agu concluded his letter with a traditional Igbo proverb: “Let the eagle perch and let the kite perch, too; whoever says the other should not perch, let its wings break,” emphasizing that the judiciary deserves its rightful place in the state’s governance structure.
The lawyer urged Governor Uzodimma to “issue the instrument of appointment and swear in the appointed Acting Chief Judge without further delay,” warning that history would judge leaders not by their promises but by their actions.
The Imo State Government has yet to respond to the concerns raised in the open letter.
