Ihedioha swears in nine new Judges
Governor Emeka Ihedioha has restated his administration’s resolve to uphold the independence of the judiciary and abide to the rule of law, saying that the two factors are the only panacea to good governance.
Ihedioha who spoke during the swearing ceremony of nine new Judges in the state out of which seven were for the State High Court while two for the Customary Court of Appeal.
At the ceremony which was held at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, last Friday, the governor noted that the three arms of government must collaborate for good governance to thrive.
“To ensure good governance, the three arms of government must coexist as separate organs of government independently, but collaboratively”, he disclosed.
Governor Ihedioha revealed that his administration has maintained a symbiotic relationship with other arms of government, assuring that plans are in top gear, to enhance the status of the judicial system in the State after several years of neglect.
“We have reconstituted the Judicial Service Commission; renovation of Judges Quarters has begun. We have also ensured payment of salaries of Judges as at when due and provided official guards for them”.
“This administration achieved these feats within a short period of time, despite our financial constraints.”
Ihedioha further revealed that, of the 33 Judges recommended for appointment across the country by the National Judicial Council, NJC, nine of them, the highest was approved for the State. “The NJC approved nine Judges for Imo State which is the highest, trailed by Rivers State which got approval for 4 Judges.
“This is a testimony of our unwavering resolve to entrenching the tenets of rule of law in our State which can be achieved with an efficient and formidable judiciary.”
He recalled steps taken by his administration on assumption of office to boost the State judiciary, which led to the appointment of magistrates, inspectors of Court, bailiffs and other judicial staff.
The Governor said the measures were taken to ensure an effective justice delivery system in the State, even as he advised the new Judges to discharge their duties fairly and ensure they do justice to all manner of people without fear or favour.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Justice of the State, Justice Paschal Nnadi, said the governor has revitalized the judiciary in the State, which has translated to numerous gains to the judicial system, including expedition of cases.
He expressed gratitude to the state government for rejuvenating the judiciary and assured that the judiciary in the State would continue to serve justice to all.
Read Also: Lagos police issues 7-day-ultimatum to owners of unregistered vehicles
Justice Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated Judges, assured that they will uphold the law at all times.
The newly sworn in Judges of the State High Court include: Onyeka Vincent Iheanyichukwu; Leweanya Kechinyere A; Victoria Chinyere Isiguzo; Vivian O. B. Ekezie; Eze Nonye Eke; Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere and Ibeawuchi Edith Chinyere; while Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal are; Obichere Ijeoma Josephine; Nze Ifeanyi Tennyson.
