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The Imo State Government has accepted the decisions reached by the National Judicial Council (NJC) at its 108th meeting, particularly the Council’s position on the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge for the State.
On Wednesday,the National Judicial Council declared the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as acting Chief Judge of Imo State void, directing the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to immediately reverse the decision and appoint the most senior judicial officer in the state in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.
The decision was part of the resolutions taken at the NJC’s 108th meeting held on April 29 and 30, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
In a statement released by the Council’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe Babalola, the NJC “directed the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma to appoint the most senior judicial officer in the state High Court’s hierarchy as the acting Chief Judge of the state in conformity with Section 271 (4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
Reacting to this, in a statement by the Commissioner for information in the state on Thursday evening, Declan Emelumba said Hope Uzodimma,, Governor of Imo State, made the appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge based on credible reports available to him at the time, which indicated that Justice Nzeukwu was the most senior judicial officer not encumbered by unresolved issues.
Emelumba noted that this position, along with the supporting circumstances, was duly communicated to the NJC.
According to him, the Government respects the wisdom of NJC in the discharge of its statutory duties and recognises the advisory constitutional role of the body in judicial appointments. Consequently, the government acknowledges and accepts the Council’s latest position on the matter.
He assured that while the appointment was made in good faith and within the bounds of the law, the Government of Imo State will, in line with its longstanding respect for due process and the judiciary, comply with the NJC’s recommendation.
Emelumba disclosed that steps are being taken to implement the decision of the National Judicial Council.
Recall that in April Uzodimma appointed Nzeukwu to replace Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka for falsification of age.
The NJC had previously, at its 107th meeting held on November 13 and 14, 2024, recommended the compulsory retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, along with the Grand Kadi of Yobe State, Kadi Babagana, for falsification of age.
