The National Judicial Council (NJC) has distanced itself from the purported appointment by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of Imo State.
In a statement by its Deputy Director (Information), Mrs. Kemi Ogendengbe, the NJC said it was yet to consider a request by Uzodinma to appoint Justice Nzeukwu, who is currently No. 4 in the hierarchy of judges in Imo State High Court.
The statement reads: ‘The attention of the council has been drawn to the news making rounds that the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, had purportedly appointed Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is number four in the hierarchy of judges seniority in Imo State High Court, as the acting Chief Judge of the state, in view of the recent disciplinary action taken against the erstwhile Chief Judge of the state.
‘The National Judicial Council, by this press release, wants to clarify to the public that the Governor of Imo State had earlier written to the council requesting for its approval to appoint Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, who is number four in the hierarchy of seniority as acting Chief Judge of the state.
‘The governor in his said correspondence to the council, gave reasons why in his own view, the three most senior judges are not appointable.
‘The council is informing the public that the said letter is yet to be considered, as deliberation on the request is slated for the next council meeting, which is scheduled to hold on 29th and 30th April, 2025.
‘The council is therefore, by this press release, informing the public that the governor’s request is yet to be considered by the council.
‘The council has not given approval to the governor for the appointment of the acting Chief Judge.
‘The council is not a party to the process of the purported appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge’.
