The National Judicial Council (NJC) says it did not approve the appointment of Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge of Imo state.
Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo, swore in Nzeukwu as the state’s acting chief judge on Thursday—five months after the removal of Chukwuemeka Chikeka.
The NJC had recommended Chukwuemeka Chikeka for compulsory retirement with effect from October 27, 2021, for age falsification.
In a statement on Friday, Kemi Ogendengbe, NJC’s spokesperson, said the council was yet to consider Nzeukwu’s nomination before he was appointed as acting chief judge.
“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 statement reads.
“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 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.”
