The National Judicial Council (NJC) has disassociated itself from the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, stating that it has not approved the move.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC clarified that although it received a request from Governor Hope Uzodimma seeking approval to appoint Nzeukwu, who is fourth in seniority among judges in the Imo State High Court, the Council has not yet considered or approved the request.
The NJC emphasized that it was not involved in the purported appointment and urged the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.
“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 statement read.
It continued, “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.”
The NJC noted that although the governor provided reasons he believed the top three senior judges were not suitable for the role, the Council had not yet made a decision on the matter
