The National Judicial Council has disassociated itself from the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting chief judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In a statement signed by its Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, on Friday in Abuja, the Council stated that although it received a letter from Governor Uzodimma requesting approval for the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu — who ranks fourth in the hierarchy of judges in the state — the NJC has yet to consider the request.
The Council urged the general public to note that it is not a party to the purported appointment.
The statement read, “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 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 outlined reasons why the three more senior judges were, in his view, not suitable for the role, the Council has not yet taken a position on the matter.
“In his correspondence to the Council, the Governor provided reasons why, in his opinion, the three most senior judges are not suitable for appointment.
“The Council wishes to inform the public that the letter in question has not yet been considered, as deliberation on the request is scheduled for the next Council meeting, which will be held on 29th and 30th April 2025.
“The Governor’s request is still under review. The Council has not granted approval for the appointment of an Acting Chief Judge and is therefore not a party to the purported appointment of Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu,” the statement clarified.
