Controversy Trails Uzodinma”s Appointment of Imo Chief Judge

A quiet storm is brewing in Imo State’s judiciary following a controversial move by Governor Hope Uzodimma to appoint a Chief Judge for the State

Earlier this week, he announced Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the new acting Chief Judge of the state, a decision that has now been publicly disowned by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The NJC issued a statement on Thursday making it clear that it has not approved Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment. According to the Council, although the Governor submitted a request, it hasn’t yet been discussed and won’t be until the NJC’s next meeting at the end of April.

The appointment has raised eyebrows, not just because of its timing, but also because Nzeukwu is reportedly fourth in line among the judges of the Imo State High Court.

The Governor claims he had reasons to skip over three more senior judges, but those reasons remain undisclosed.
This situation becomes even more complex when viewed through the lens of the Nigerian Constitution. Section 271 clearly states that the appointment of a state Chief Judge acting or otherwise must be based on a recommendation from the NJC.

If done without that backing, the appointment is only valid for three months and cannot be renewed for the same individual.

Justice Nzeukwu’s elevation follows the compulsory retirement of Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka in November 2024, after he was found to have falsified his age another episode that had shaken confidence in the state judiciary.

Now, with the NJC publicly distancing itself from the Governor’s latest move, questions abound: Was due process followed? Can Justice Nzeukwu legally occupy the role, even temporarily? And what happens if the NJC ultimately refuses to endorse the appointment?