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The National Judicial Council, NJC, has washed it’s hands off the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu, as the acting chief judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
According to a statement signed by Kemi Ogedengbe, the Deputy Director of Information, NJC, in Abuja, on Friday,
the Council stated that it received a letter from Governor Uzodinma, requesting approval for the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu, but has not considered it yet.
The appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu, who is fourth in the seniority hierarchy of judges in the Imo State High Court, has caused ripples in the state.
The NJC statement read: “The attention of the Council has been drawn to reports that the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has purportedly appointed Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu — who is No. 4 in the seniority hierarchy of judges in the Imo State High Court — as the Acting Chief Judge of the state, following the recent disciplinary action taken against the former Chief Judge.
“The National Judicial Council, by this press release, wishes to clarify to the public that the Governor of Imo State had earlier written to the Council seeking approval to appoint Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as Acting Chief Judge, despite his position in the judicial hierarchy.
“In his correspondence to the Council, the Governor provided reasons why, in his opinion, the three most senior judges are not suitable for appointment.”
The statement said the Uzodinma’s request is due for consideration at the next council meeting on April 29&30 and, therefore, dissociated itself from Nzekwu’s appointment.
“The Council wishes to inform the public that the letter in question has not yet been considered, as deliberation on the request is scheduled for the next Council meeting, which will be held on 29th and 30th April 2025.
“The Governor’s request is still under review. The Council has not granted approval for the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge and is therefore not a party to the purported appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu.”
