A coalition of legal professionals and civil society organisations in Imo State has thrown its weight behind Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recent appointment of Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, describing the move as constitutional, timely, and necessary.
At a press conference held at the premises of the Justice Oputa High Court Complex in Owerri, representatives of various legal and civic groups expressed their full support for the governor’s decision and condemned attempts by some individuals and groups to discredit the appointment.
The event was attended by members of the Imo Lawyers for Good Governance, National Center for Justice and Rule of Land Development, Owerri Progressive Lawyers Forum (OPLF), and other civic organisations. Notable attendees included Chief Barr. Eze Okafor, Sur. Bright Ahamefule (Executive Secretary), Hon. Ben K.K. Ezerbe (Chairman, OPLF), Barr. S.C. Nwobi (Chairman, Imo Lawyers for Good Governance), and Barr. Ijeoma Ihesie, who led a contingent of concerned members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch.
In a joint statement signed by Barr. S.C. Nwobi (Chairman) and Barr. John Eboh (Secretary) and read by the President of the coalition, Barr. Eze Okafor, the group affirmed that the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu followed due process and was in line with Section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the governor to appoint the most senior judge in an acting capacity in the absence or retirement of the substantive Chief Judge.
“The Governor acted in accordance with the Constitution and based on the recommendations of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC),” the statement read. “Justice T.N. Nzeukwu’s appointment is lawful, meritorious and consistent with judicial norms.”
The group criticised what it described as “self-serving and unauthorized actions” by a faction of the NBA Owerri Branch, led by Barr. Chris Ihentuge, which had earlier written a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the NBA President without the consent of the general body.
“We are not against anyone supporting their preferred candidates, but we strongly reject the use of the name of Imo lawyers to fight personal battles,” the group said. “All four branches of the NBA in Imo have disassociated themselves from the actions of Ihentuge and his collaborators who appear determined to sow division and weaken the judiciary in the state.”
In a dramatic show of loyalty, the coalition collectively tendered an unreserved apology to Governor Hope Uzodimma over what they called the “unwarranted and embarrassing attacks” launched by the Owerri Branch of the NBA. They emphasized that the position of Barr. Ihentuge does not reflect the views of the broader legal community in Imo, who they said stand firmly behind the governor and the new Acting Chief Judge.
Furthermore, the coalition vowed to resist any further attempts to derail the appointment through legal manipulation. They promised to mobilize Imo people to appear in any court where “forum shopping” is attempted by those seeking to secure injunctions against the appointment, noting that previous attempts in that regard have already failed.
Speaking on behalf of civil society, Sur. Bright Ahamefule and Chief Barr. Eze Okafor emphasized the importance of unity and constitutional adherence in judicial matters. They urged stakeholders to focus on preserving the integrity of the judiciary rather than politicizing appointments.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and pledged to continue supporting democratic governance in Imo State. The press conference ended with a call for peace, professionalism, and lawful conduct among all members of the legal community.