The Imo House of Assembly has recommended the removal of the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, for alleged misconduct and age falsification.
This recommendation follows a petition brought by the Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP), accusing the Chief Judge of adjusting her date of birth.
During a plenary session, a two-thirds majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the recommendations from an adhoc committee set up to investigate the petition.
It wrote, “Petition Against The Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka Chikeka For Age Falsification Which Is A Grave Criminal Offence And An Act For Which Many Other Judges And Justices Have Been Summarily Dismissed And Some Are Currently Being Prosecuted By The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).”
The committee found that Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka had adjusted her date of birth from October 27, 1956, to October 27, 1958, through a statutory declaration of age sworn in 2006, long after she had filled her date of birth in her law school form.
The recommendation, made under Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, calls for Governor Hope Uzodimma to remove the Chief Judge from office. Additionally, the resolution will be forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for further action.
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Justice Chukwuemeka-Chikeka declined to appear before the House’s committee but indicated willingness to appear before a panel set up by the NJC, citing constitutional provisions.
The committee’s investigation involved inviting relevant persons and institutions, including the Head of Service, Imo State; Secretary, Imo State Judicial Service Commission; and officials from the Nigerian Law School. Written responses from these entities confirmed discrepancies in the Chief Judge’s date of birth records.
The House of Assembly’s decision underscores the seriousness with which allegations of misconduct and integrity issues are treated within the judiciary, reflecting efforts to uphold transparency and accountability in public office.
