Lawyers Justify Imo CJ’s Appointment

Notaries public under the auspices of the Imo State Lawyers Forum have endorsed the recent appointment of Honourable Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge of Imo State, asserting that merit, rather than mere seniority, was the basis for selecting the esteemed jurist for the role.

On 2nd April 2025, Governor Hope Uzodinma appointed Honourable Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge of Imo State. This followed the dismissal of Honourable Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka due to allegations of age falsification based on the recommendations of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission.

In a press statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, 13th April 2025, the lawyers described Justice Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the most qualified judge in the Imo State High Court at the time of his appointment, labelling those opposing his confirmation as the substantive chief judge of the state as “Barr Politicians” who prioritise seniority over merit.

According to their statement: “Justice Nzeukwu is an incorruptible judge, and all lawyers and litigants in Imo State can vouch for his integrity, uprightness, forthrightness, humility, and goodness. His appointment is indeed divinely orchestrated.”

The statement was signed by John O. Eboh, Kelechi K. Ezeribe, Sylvester C. N. Wobi, R.C. Uyaeme, Okafor Ezekwere, E.C. Ukwuegbu, U.C. Oswi, Nonso Duru, O.F. Nwangwu, and T. O. Akweri, representing the forum.

The lawyers stated: “We are a collective of legal practitioners and associations of lawyers in Imo State, Nigeria, who are keenly interested in the recent developments within the judiciary of Imo State.

As leaders of various associations and individual legal practitioners, we were initially concerned about the ongoing vacuum regarding the office of the chief judge of Imo State until the recent appointment of Honourable Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge.

“As a group of legal practitioners that place a high premium on competence and capacity in judicial appointments, we are immensely pleased that the executive governor of Imo State, in exercising his prerogative under Section 271 (4) of the constitution, has prioritised competence and legal expertise, which Honourable Justice T. N. Nzeukwu epitomises.

“The appointment of Honourable Justice T. N. Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge of Imo State is a perfect fit, and all members of the Imo State Lawyers Forum wholeheartedly support this meritorious appointment as acting chief judge, as well as his confirmation as the substantive chief judge of Imo State.”

Expressing a vote of confidence in the acting chief judge and Governor Uzodinma, the group urged the people of Imo State and all Nigerians to disregard those they termed “Barr Politicians” for propagating sentiments regarding seniority. The group emphasised that Governor Uzodinma has chosen merit over seniority, a practice consistent with the history of appointments of chief judges in the state.

“This is not the first time that an individual who is not the most senior judge in the state has been appointed as the acting or substantive chief judge. Historical records show that Honourable Justice G. G. I. Ojiakor was junior to Honourable Justice Duke Njiribakor when appointed in the 1990s, and Honourable Justice P. C. Onumajulu OFR was junior to Honourable Justice Udom Azuogu upon his appointment.

“It is, therefore, regrettable to raise the issue of seniority when the tradition in the Imo State Judiciary has been based on merit, as evidenced by the examples provided.”