Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sworn in 10 new judges with a charge to carry themselves with dignity and honour in the dispensation of justice to the people of the state.
The judges include seven for High Courts and three for the Customary Courts of Appeal.
The High Court Judges are: Uchenna Mary Njoku, Cletus Ndubuisi Akowundu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Ojiugo Chibuogwu, Adaego Peace Nnosiri, Ononogbo Chidi Linus and Emeka Uzoma Orafu.
While the three counterparts of the Customary Courts of Appeal includ: Ofoha Sylvester Uchenna, GreenMan Ezenna Eleanya and Ibeh Rosemund Oluehi.
The 10 judges serving in the Imo State judiciary before now had gone through the scrutiny of the National Judicial Council (NJC), found worthy for elevation, hence they took the oath of office before Governor Uzodimma at the New Executive Chambers in line with Nigeria’s Constitutional provisions that recognise the existence of the three arms of government – executive, legislature and judiciary.
Uzodimma said because judges, by virtue of their calling, are next to God in determining who lives or dies, it becomes imperative that they approach their responsibility with integrity, dignity and with the fear of God, resisting the temptation to do the unimaginable.
The Governor, while congratulating them on their appointment, described it as a remarkable lift in their legal career, hence they have every reason to be grateful to God.
Hr emphasised the role of judges in the dispensation of justice and which demands a lot of integrity.
He said: “As judges at the temple of justice and administration, you must uphold very high level of integrity and honour and dispense justice without fear or favour.”
He enjoined them to carry themselves with dignity and honour as their job demands seriousness for them to succeed.
He said: “Be properly guided to avoid miscarriage of justice and note that after God, you carry with you the decision of life and death.”
Reminding the judges that the Judiciary has of late come under serious scrutiny by the public, Governor Uzodimma urged them to be circumspect in the discharge of their duties, and conduct themselves in a manner that will not leave anybody in doubt about their pronouncements, advising them to remember that they are “the last hope of the common man.”
Governor Uzodimma said that the executive arm of the government which he represents in Imo State has since he assumed office continued to prioritise the welfare of the judiciary, creating an enabling environment for the operators of the arm to function optimally.
He recalled that on assumption of office he took time to offset the mounting arrears of salaries owed judges and other judiciary officials by previous administrations.
He encouraged the judges to do their work effectively, stating that he provided them with brand new vehicles, renovated judicial buildings and equipped them with state of art infrastructure, among other things.
Governor Uzodimma announced the gift of brand new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for 16 judges, including the newly sworn-in 10 judges.
He promised that his administration will continue to do all that is necessary to facilitate and encourage the judiciary to do its best.
To the relatives and friends of the Judges, Governor Uzodimma urged them “not to place undue pressure on the judges that will make them derail in their avowed duties.”
In an acceptance speech on behalf of the Judges, Hon. Justice Uchenna Mary Njoku, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for their nomination and approval, thanking the Governor for “proving dependable.”
They also thanked the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Theresa Chikeka for her support and promised not to let both the Governor, the Chief Judge and the State down.
Justice Njoku assured on behalf of her colleagues that they will deliver on their mandate and contribute their quota to the development of Imo State.
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