Imo Judiciary Crisis: JSC attributes crisis to faceless cabals

DDM NEWS

Justice Nzeukwu

The Imo State Judicial Service Commission has attributed the current judiciary crisis in the state to faceless cabals, amid controversy over age falsification by former judges and a disputed appointment of an Acting Chief Judge.

The crisis began when the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the compulsory retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, over allegations of age falsification.

Following this, Governor Hope Uzodimma appointed Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge, despite not being the most senior judge in the state.

The NJC has disassociated itself from Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment, stating that it had not approved the appointment and that the governor’s action was unauthorized.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also demanded the reversal of the appointment, citing the need to protect due process and the rule of law.

An investigation into age falsification by Imo State judges began in July 2024, following allegations against the former Chief Judge.

The investigation, which was initiated by the previous Judicial Service Commission, involved verification of judges’ birth records by legal education authorities.

The current Commission inherited the investigation and submitted the report to the NJC .

The crisis has also been fueled by allegations of financial mismanagement against the former Chief Registrar of the High Court, Naomi Achunolu, including misuse of judiciary funds and unauthorized property auctions.

The sacked Attorney-General has been accused of playing a pivotal role in both the age probe and disciplinary actions against judicial officers and staff.

The Imo State Judicial Service Commission has maintained that the crisis is being fueled by faceless cabals and misinformation.

The Commission has emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and constitutional adherence to restore public confidence in the judiciary .

The NJC has intervened in the crisis, directing Governor Uzodimma to reverse Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment and appoint the most senior judge as the Acting Chief Judge.

The NJC has also issued queries to Justice Nzeukwu and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Imo State, Justice Victor Okorie, for their roles in the disputed appointment .

The Imo State judiciary crisis highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment of judicial officers and the management of the judiciary.

The NJC’s intervention and the Commission’s commitment to reform are crucial steps towards resolving the crisis and restoring public trust in the judiciary.

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