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.

Abuja, April 3, 2025 – Economist Prof. Evans Osabuohien has commended President Bola Tinubu for dismissing the Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, describing the move as a step toward greater transparency in the petroleum sector.

Osabuohien, who heads the Economics Department at Covenant University, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday that the removal of Pius Akinyelure, the company’s Chairman, and Mele Kyari, its GCEO, was a welcome development.

“The sacking of the NNPC board was the right step in the right direction,” he stated, emphasizing that it could help curb sharp practices in the industry.

However, he cautioned that the action should not be an isolated measure. “There is the need for a holistic probe of the sector,” he added.

Osabuohien also highlighted NNPC’s financial struggles since it transitioned into a private company two years ago, noting that the organization had been operating at a loss. He proposed that the government restructure NNPC into a public liability company with a board of directors accountable to the public.

“This will make the sector more vibrant, contribute positively to the economy, and create employment opportunities,” he said.

The economist further urged the government to address the ongoing conflict between NNPC and the Dangote Group to ensure stability in the sector.

On Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed in a statement that President Tinubu had replaced Akinyelure and Kyari with Ahmadu Kida and Bayo Ojulari, along with the removal of all other board members.