The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disassociated itself from the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, the Council clarified that it has not approved Governor Hope Uzodinma’s decision to appoint Justice Nzeukwu, who is currently fourth in the judicial hierarchy in the state.
Governor Uzodinma had reportedly based his action on a recent disciplinary measure taken against the former Chief Judge of the state. He also wrote to the NJC seeking its approval for Nzeukwu’s appointment, citing reasons why the three more senior judges were, in his view, not eligible for the role.
However, the NJC stated that the governor’s request is still pending consideration and will be deliberated at its next meeting scheduled for April 29 and 30, 2025.
“The Council is informing the public that the said letter is yet to be considered,” the statement read. “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.”
The NJC’s clarification comes amid rising concerns over adherence to judicial hierarchy and due process in the appointment of chief judges across states.
