BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri branch has insisted that due process must be followed in the appointment of acting Chief Judge in Imo State.
They stressed that If, for any
the reason, the most senior judge or judges were bypassed, the rationale for this deviation must be immediately justified.
This was made known through a statement made available to newsmen, which was signed by the Imo State Chairman, Chief Chris Ihentuge, and Secretary, Daniel Odiba, respectively.
The governor of the state, Hope Uzodimma, had recently appointed the fourth person in the hierarchy, Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu, as the acting Chief Judge of the state.
They said, “If there exists any impediment preventing the senior judges from assuming the role, such an impediment, if valid, should not only disqualify them from the position of Acting Chief Judge but also from sitting as judicial officers at all.
“As primary stakeholders in the legal profession, the Bar cannot, in good
conscience, justify this appointment without clarity on the reasons behind
the deviation from constitutional provisions. The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, demands that the Governor should immediately take steps to address this situation and reverse this action, which is inconsistent with the Constitution.
“Failure to do so will further erode public confidence in the judiciary at a time when trust in our
institutions is already fragile. The Bar shall also take all steps necessary in the circumstance.”
The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, reiterates that it has no
interest in any particular individual holding the office of the Chief Judge,
but it is deeply committed to the protection of due process, the rule of law, and the sanctity of the Constitution.
“This press release will be communicated to the Imo State Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Imo State Chapter, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Imo State, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association and the National Judicial Council (NJC) without delay.”
