The Imo State House Of Assembly, Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka as the Chief Judge Of Imo State and Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie as President, Customary Court Of Appeal, Imo State.
Following the retirement of the former Chief Judge, Hon Justice Paschal O. Nnadi on 12th March 2020, the Imo State Judicial Service Commission nominated and advised the National Judicial Council, NJC, on two Candidates for one of them to be considered for appointment as his successor in office. They are :
1 Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka
Hon Justice Eugene Ogadinma Agada
Similarly, following the retirement of Hon Justice M. E. Njoku, the immediate past President of the Imo State Customary Court Of Appeal on 05 January 2022, the State Judicial Service Commission nominated and advised the National Judicial Council, NJC, on two Candidates, for One Of them to be considered for appointment as his successor in office. They are :
Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie
Hon Justice Sophia Ifeoma Ogwuegbu
Consequently, the National Judicial Council considered and deliberated on the above nominations, thereafter recommended for appointment Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka as the Chief Judge Of Imo State and Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie as the President of Customary Court Of Appeal, Imo State to His Excellency The Executive Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma.
Consequent upon the recommendations to His Excellency by NJC, Governor Hope Uzodinma communicated to the Speaker Of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Honourable Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh, through letters, requesting the confirmation of the two recommended candidates. The Speaker reconvened the House for Screening. and Confirmation.
The Majority Leader, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi and Member Representing Owerri-west State Constituency moved the Motion for Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka and Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie to be admitted into the Hallowed Chamber. This was seconded by the Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-east State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
When Mr Speaker put the Motion for adoption, it was unanimously adopted, after which the August Visitors were led into the Chamber.
Thereafter, they were asked to introduce themselves, which was done. The Rt Honourable Speaker threw the floor open for Screening.
Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka was called up. However, The Chief Whip and Member Representing Oru-east State Constituency, Hon Chigozie Nwaneri moved a Motion for her to take a bow as having been confirmed, citing her intimidating credentials and enviable Judicial Service to the State. This was Seconded by Hon Barrister Dominic Ezerioha, Member Representing Owerri-west State Constituency.
Similarly, Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie was called up. The Member Representing Ahiazu Mbaise State Constituency, Hon Chief Samuel Otuibe Moved a Motion for him to take a bow as having been confirmed, citing his services for the growth of Imo State Judiciary and his very intimidating credentials. This was Seconded by Rt Honourable Mrs Ngozi Obiefule, Member Representing Isu State Constituency.
When the Speaker, Rt Honourable Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh put the two Motions to Vote, (thus, “Those In Support That Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka And Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie Individually take a Bow, as having been confirmed), all the Honourable Members gave accent to it.
Thereafter, the Rt Honourable Speaker ordered the Clerk Of The House to make the necessary DOCUMENTATION for onward transmission to His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma.
It should be noted that before their nomination, recommendation, screening and confirmation, Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka was the Acting Chief Judge Of Imo State, while Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie Was the Acting President of the Customary Court Of Appeal, Imo State.
The Majority Leader, Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi moved the Motion for Hon Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka and Hon Justice Victor Uchenna Okorie to be led out of the Chamber. This was Seconded by Hon Solomon Anukam, Member Representing Owerri Municipal Constituency.
The Rt Honourable Speaker thereafter adjourned till 12th July 2022.
