Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, on Monday swore-in in Justice Anslem Nwigwe of the state high court as Acting Chief Judge of the state.

Nwigwe, who hails from Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, takes Over from Justice Alloy Nwankwo, who retired last week after attaining a statutory retirement age of 65 years.

He is said to be the most senior Judge in the state judiciary leading to his appointment.

His swearing-in was witnessed by Justice Obi Elechi of the Court of Appeal, Chief Judges of Enugu and Bayelsa states.

Also in attendance were Judges and other members of the Judiciary in the state.

Speaking at the event, Governor Umahi urged Justice Nwigwe to ensure that he surpasses the achievements of his predecessor, Nwankwo which he described as excellent.

He congratulated Nwigwe for the appointment and prayed God to strengthen him to discharge his duties diligently.

“The NJC very soon will write us and then we will be able to forward to the House of Assembly. So, very soon we will gather again to remove the Acting,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Justice Nwigwe promised to use instrument of the law to lift the state judiciary.

“The relationship between the Bar and the Bench shall be maintained. Our hands of fellowship shall equally be extended to the members of the criminal justice system such as the police, prison authorities, the ministry of the justice and the Bar to conform with the synergy required for our success,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the member representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Livinus Makwe has congratulated both Justices Alloy Nwankwo and Anselem Nwigwe on their retirement and elevation as Chief Judge of the state.

Makwe in a statement by his Media office described the retired Chief Judge as a Patriotic Nigerian who had contributed immensely in the administration of Justice and strengthening of Nigeria’s judiciary.

In a statement issued by his Media Office, the lawmaker said Nwankwo has really positioned the state judiciary as the last hope of the people, stressing that he administered justices to everyone without fear or favor.

“His Lordship, Justice Alloy Nweke Nwankwo has served Ebonyi State well in the administration of Justice. We are proud of his fatherly and professional roles which have shaped and strengthened the judicial System in the state,” he said.

On the new Chief Judge, Mr Makwe said his elevation is reward for hard work and expressed hope that his appointment will lead to further Improvement in the state judiciary.

Update news