Uzodimma Swears in 10 Judges, Demands Dignity, Honour

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sworn in 10 new judges for the state’s judiciary – seven for the High Courts and three for the Customary Courts of Appeal, charging them to carry themselves with dignity and honour in the dispensation of justice to the people.

The governor argued that by the virtue of their calling, judges are next to God as they could in their judgements determine who lives or dies, stressing it thus becomes imperative that they approach their responsibility with integrity, dignity and with the fear of God, resisting the temptation to do the unimaginable.

THISDAY reports that the 10 judges serving in the Imo State judiciary had gone through the scrutiny of the National Judicial Council, found worthy for elevation, hence they took the oath of office before Governor Uzodimma

The new High Court Judges include: Uchenna Mary Njoku, Cletus Ndubuisi Akowundu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Ojiugo Chibuogwu, Adaego Peace Nnosiri, Ononogbo Chidi Linus and Emeka Uzoma Orafu. 

Their three counterparts of the Customary Courts of Appeal include:  Ofoha Sylvester Uchenna, GreenMan Ezenna Eleanya and Ibeh Rosemund Oluehi.

In his remarks, the governor congratulated them on their appointment and described it as a remarkable lift in their legal career, hence they have every reason to be grateful to God.

He further emphasised the role of judges in the dispensation of justice and which demands a lot of integrity. “As judges at the temple of justice and administration, you must uphold very high level of integrity and honour and dispense justice without fear or favour,” he exhorted them.

He enjoined them to carry themselves with dignity and honour as their job demands seriousness for them to succeed.

He said: “Be properly guided to avoid miscarriage of justice and note that after God, you carry with you the decision of life and death.”

Reminding the judges that the Judiciary has of late come under serious scrutiny by the public, Uzodimma urged them to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not leave anybody in doubt about their pronouncements, advising them to remember that they are “the last hope of the common man.”

The governor added that the executive arm of the government has, since he assumed office, continued to prioritise the welfare of the judiciary, creating an enabling environment for the operators of the arm to function optimally.

He recalled that on assumption of office he took time to offset the mounting arrears of salaries owed judges and other judiciary officials by previous administrations.

For instance, he said, to encourage the judges to do their work effectively, he provided them with brand new vehicles, renovated judicial buildings and equipped them with state of art infrastructure, among other things.

To further demonstrate his passion for the welfare of judges, Uzodimma announced the gift of brand-new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for 16 judges, including the newly sworn-in 10 judges.

He promised that his administration will continue to do all that are necessary to facilitate and encourage the judiciary to do her best. 

In an acceptance speech on behalf of the Judges, Hon. Justice Uchenna Mary Njoku, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for their nomination and approval, thanking the governor for “proving dependable.”

They also thanked the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Theresa Chikeka, for her support and promised not to let both the governor, the chief judge and the state down.

Justice Njoku assured on behalf of her colleagues that they will deliver on their mandate and contribute their quota to the development of Imo State.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Barr. COC Akaolisa, thanked the governor for appointing the Judges as recommended by the National Judicial Council.

He described their inauguration as a good thing happening to the judiciary in Imo State, saying that, “it will go a long way in making Justice easier and accessible to the people of the State.”

“Before now, the State Judiciary has been in short supply of Judges to dispense justice in the State,” said Akaolisa.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and members of the State Expanded Executive Council.

The Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, led members of the State House of Assembly to the event while the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Chikeka, led members of the Bench and Bar of the State Judiciary to the occasion.