National Judicial Council, NJC, has distanced itself from the purported appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodinma .
The NJC, in a statement by its Deputy Director (Information), Mrs Kemi Ogendengbe said it is yet to consider a request by Uzodinma to appoint Justice Nzeukwu, who is currently number four in the hierarchy of judges’ seniority at the Imo State High Court.
The statement reads: “The attention of the council has been drawn to the news making the rounds that Governor Uzodimma had purportedly appointed Justice 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.
“The National Judicial Council, by this press release, wants to clarify to the public that the governor had earlier written to the council requesting for its approval to appoint Nzeukwu, who is number four in the hierarchy of seniority as acting chief judge.
“The governor in his correspondence to the council, gave reasons why in his own 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 April 29 and 30.
“The council is therefore, by this press release, informing the public that the governor’s request is yet to be considered.
“The council has not given approval to the governor for the appointment of the acting chief judge.
“The NJC is not a party to the process of the purported appointment of Justice Nzeukwu.”
