Umuahia, Abia State — A Federal High Court has barred the Abia State Government from proceeding with fresh judicial appointments, following a lawsuit challenging the process.
Justice S. B. Onu issued the order Thursday, mandating all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum until a pending motion is resolved.
The dispute stems from the state’s 2022 judicial shortlist, which saw candidates interviewed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) and screened by the DSS.
However, the government abruptly abandoned the process this year, sparking outcry from candidates.
Meanwhile, plaintiffs Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne and Victoria Okey Nwokeukwu, representing aggrieved 2022 shortlisted candidates, sued the Abia Judicial Service Commission, the Chief Judge, and ten others.
In their filing, the plaintiffs demanded an interim injunction to halt the new process, citing procedural irregularities.
Following a review of their affidavit, Justice Onu directed parties to preserve the pre-dispute conditions and required the plaintiffs to provide damages assurances if the order is later deemed unjust.
Critics, including activist U. U. Amadi, warn that executive interference risks eroding judicial independence.
“Tampering with appointments undermines public trust,” Amadi stated, echoing broader anxieties about transparency. The case highlights recurring tensions between state actors and judicial integrity advocates.
Previously, the stalled 2022 appointments had progressed to final stages before litigation paused announcements. Now, the state’s push to restart the process has intensified scrutiny. Legal analysts argue adherence to NJC guidelines is vital to prevent perceptions of bias.
As proceedings advance, stakeholders urge the court to prioritize procedural fairness. The outcome could set a precedent for resolving conflicts between governmental authority and judicial autonomy. For now, the freeze on appointments remains, leaving candidates and observers awaiting clarity.
Highlighting the stakes, a court insider noted, “This ruling isn’t just about appointments—it’s about safeguarding the judiciary’s role as a neutral arbiter.” With Abia’s judiciary under a microscope, the final decision may reshape accountability norms in Nigeria’s legal sector.
