The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has raised concerns over Governor Hope Uzodimma?s appointment of Hon. Justice T. N. Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State.

Justice Nzeukwu was named as a replacement for Justice Theresa Chikeka, who was removed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following an indictment for age falsification.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Uzodimma lamented the NJC?s action, describing the removal of Justice Chikeka as a ?dishonourable incident? and warned against future occurrences of such embarrassing episodes.

However, the NBA criticized the appointment, urging the governor to follow due process and uphold constitutional provisions.

The association argued that Justice Nzeukwu?s appointment violates the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that the most senior judge of the High Court be appointed as Acting Chief Judge in the event of a vacancy.

?We insist that due process must be followed in the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge,? said the Chairman of the NBA Owerri Branch, Chief Chris U. Ihentuge and the Secretary, Daniel O. Odiba, in a statement on Saturday.

They said: ?If the most senior judge or judges were bypassed, the rationale for this deviation must be immediately justified.?

Failure to do so, they warned, will further erode public confidence in the judiciary.

The NBA demands that Governor Uzodimma takes immediate action to address this situation and reverse the appointment, which they deem inconsistent with the Constitution.

The statement reads in part: ?The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch demands that the Governor should, immediately, take steps to address this situation and reverse this action which is inconsistent with the Constitution. Failure to do so will further erode public confidence in the judiciary at a time when trust in our institutions are already fragile. The Bar shall also take all steps necessary in the circumstance.

?The Nigerian Bar Association, Owerri Branch, reiterates that it has no interest in any particular individual holding the office of the Chief Judge, but it is deeply committed to the protection of due process, the rule of law,

And the sanctity of the Constitution

?The NBA Owerri Branch has communicated its concerns to the Imo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Imo State Chapter, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Imo State, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, and the National Judicial Council (NJC).? (The Nation)

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