Ihedioha swears in nine new judges in Imo

By Athan Agbakwuru, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has sworn in seven newly appointed Judges of the State High Court and two Judges of the state Customary Of Appeal in line with his administration’s resolve to reposition the judiciary in the state.
The newly sworn in Judges of the State High Court include: Onyeka Vincent Iheanyichukwu; Leweanya Kechinyere A; Victoria Chinyere Isiguzo; Vivian O. B. Ekezie; Eze Nonye Eke; Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere; Ibeawuchi Edith Chinyere while Obichere Ijeoma Josephine; Nze Ifeanyi Tennyson were sworn in as Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal.
Speaking at the swearing in of nine(9) Judges, seven for the State High Court, two for the Customary Court of Appeal, respectively at a ceremony held Friday at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
He used the occasion to restate the bold resolve of his administration to uphold the independence of the Judiciary and abide to the rule of law, in all its activities and actions.
The governor who identified adherence to the rule of law and independence of the judiciary as twin factors that effectively serve as the only panacea to good governance noted that the three arms of government must act independently but collaborate for good governance to to take place.
Governor Ihedioha hinted that his administration has maintained a symbiotic relationship with other arms of government, as promised on assumption of office, assuring that plans are in top gear, to enhance the status of the judicial system in the State after several years of neglect.
The governor revealed that, of the 33 Judges recommended for appointment across the federation by the National Judicial Council, NJC, nine Judges, the highest, was approved for Imo State.
His words, “To ensure good governance, the three arms of government must coexist as separate organs of government independently, but collaboratively.”
“We have reconstituted the Judicial Service Commission; renovation of Judges Quarters has begun. We have also ensured payment of salaries of Judges as at when due and provided official guards for them.
“This administration achieved these feats within a short period of time, despite our financial constraints.
“The NJC approved nine Judges for Imo State which is the highest, trailed by Rivers State which got approval for 4 Judges.
Continuing, the governor said, “This is a testimony of our unwavering resolve to entrenching the tenets of rule of law in our State which can be achieved with an efficient and formidable judiciary.
He advised the new Judges to discharge their duties fairly and ensure they do justice to all manner of people without fear or favour pointing out that measures have been taken to ensure an effective justice delivery system in the State.
He recalled steps taken by his administration on assumption of office to boost the State judiciary, which led to the appointment of magistrates, inspectors of Court, bailiffs and other judicial staff.
Earlier in his speech, the Chief Justice of the State, Justice Paschal Nnadi, affirmed that Governor Ihedioha has repositioned the Judiciary in the State, which has translated to numerous gains to the judicial system, including expeditious hearing and determination of cases.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Judges, Justice Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere, assured that they will uphold the law at all times.