Contrary to reports regarding her whereabouts on Thursday, June 30, 2016, Abia State Chief, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, has said that she was in her office performing her duties till the close of work. She said she did not abscond in order not to swear-in Dr Uche Ogah as the new governor of the state as was being rumoured.

After receiving a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday morning making him the new governor of Abia State, Dr. Uche Ogah had rushed down to Umuahia, the state capital, to be sworn into office.

The ceremony could, however, not hold because the Chief Judge could not be seen. Some said she had gone underground while others said she had absconded. As the search for her continued, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu obtained a court order restraining the Chief Judge or any other legal officer in the state from swearing in Ogah.

After days of studied silence on the issue, the Chief Judge finally spoke up through the Acting Registrar of Abia Judiciary, Mrs Vicky Analaba. She maintained that she came to work on the said day, worked till the close of work and delivered four judgments.

Mrs Analaba said in a statement she issued in Umuahia on Saturday: “The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State.

“Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the Chief Judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.

“For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the Chief Judge was in her court room, performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.

“The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs THE STATE; HU/ICM/2016-JOHNSON ASIEGBU vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HU/42CM/2016-ONYEKACHI SAMUEL vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE; HU/34CM/2016-LUCKY SAMPSON vs. THE STATE.

“These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses.

“This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight.”

•Photo shows Uche Ogah.

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