A Federal High Court in Umuahia has issued an order restraining the Abia State Government from proceeding with a fresh process to appoint new judges, following a lawsuit challenging the move.
The ruling came after an application by two litigants, Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne and Victoria Okey Nwokeukwu, who, on behalf of shortlisted candidates from a 2022 selection process, questioned the government’s decision to restart the appointment procedure.
The Abia State Judicial Service Commission had shortlisted candidates in 2022, who later underwent interviews with the National Judicial Council and security screenings by the Department of State Services (DSS). However, the process was stalled due to a legal challenge, and the state government recently opted to abandon it in favor of a fresh selection.
Displeased with this decision, the 2022 shortlisted candidates took legal action, dragging the Abia State Judicial Service Commission, the Chief Judge, the Attorney General, and eight others to court. They sought an interim order to maintain the status quo until a motion for interlocutory injunction is heard.
Presiding over the case, Justice S. B. Onu ordered all parties to refrain from further actions regarding the judicial appointments until the court hears and determines the motion on notice. The plaintiffs were also required to enter an undertaking as to damages should the order be found unnecessary.
Reacting to the ruling, Abia resident U. U. Amadi expressed concern over executive interference in judicial appointments, stating that such actions threaten the independence of the judiciary and the administration of justice.
