Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has sworn in ten new judges in a significant move to enhance the judiciary.
This group comprises seven High Court judges and three for the Customary Courts of Appeal.
Addressing the new appointees, Governor Uzodimna emphasized the gravity and sanctity of their roles in the justice system. He remarked on the profound responsibility judges hold, likening their role to that of a divine arbiter in determining the fate of individuals. “It becomes imperative that you approach your responsibility with integrity, dignity, and with the fear of God, resisting the temptation to do the unimaginable,” he urged.
The newly inducted judges, having been vetted and approved by the National Judicial Council, took their oaths of office at the New Executive Chambers, Government House, Owerri. The High Court judges are Uchenna Mary Njoku, Cletus Ndubuisi Akowundu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Ojiugo Chibuogwu, Adaego Peace Nnosiri, Ononogbo Chidi Linus, and Emeka Uzoma Orafu. Their counterparts for the Customary Courts of Appeal are Ofoha Sylvester Uchenna, GreenMan Ezenna Eleanya, and Ibeh Rosemund Oluehi.
Governor Uzodimma congratulated the judges on their appointments, describing it as a significant milestone in their legal careers. He reiterated the importance of their roles in upholding justice with the highest standards of integrity and impartiality. “As judges at the temple of justice and administration, you must uphold a very high level of integrity and honour and dispense justice without fear or favour,” he stated. He further emphasized the need for them to avoid miscarriages of justice, noting, “Be properly guided to avoid a miscarriage of justice and note that after God, you carry with you the decision of life and death.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Governor Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s efforts to address the challenges faced by the judiciary. He recalled clearing the backlog of unpaid salaries owed to judges and judiciary staff by previous administrations. Additionally, he has provided new vehicles, renovated judicial buildings, and equipped them with modern infrastructure to enhance their working conditions. Demonstrating his continued commitment, he announced the gift of brand-new Sports Utility Vehicles to the 16 judges, including the ten newly sworn-in.
In his address to the families and friends of the judges, Governor Uzodimma appealed for their support, urging them not to exert undue pressure that might compromise the judges’ duties.
In her acceptance speech on behalf of the new judges, Hon. Justice Uchenna Mary Njoku expressed gratitude for their appointments and pledged their commitment to upholding justice and contributing to the development of Imo State. She thanked Governor Uzodimma for his support and assured him, along with the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Theresa Chikeka, that they would not be let down.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Barr. COC Akaolisa, also expressed his gratitude to the Governor for approving the appointments as recommended by the National Judicial Council. He noted that this development would significantly enhance the judiciary’s capacity to deliver justice in Imo State, stating, “Before now, the state judiciary has been in short supply of judges to dispense justice in the state.”
