Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has finally sworn in Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua as the new acting Chief Judge of the State and Barr Paul Obinatu as the new Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State.
The new Chief Judge replaces Justice Theophilus who was removed from office.
Justice Theophilus was immediately removed from office a few weeks after his appointment, due to non compliance to the hierarchical order during the selection process.
During the swearing in ceremony which took place at the State Government House, Owerri, the Governor said that the appointments signifies his administration’s commitment to the full functionality of every arm of government.
He noted that the incident leading to the long absence of a Judicial Head to man the State Justice system was both unfortunate and at the same time instructive.
“Having navigated that turbulent phase with the maturity and diligence required, we have taken decisive and lawful steps to restore the dignity of our judiciary and reinforce sacred principles of justice and due process.
“By the recommendation and ratification from the NJC, I performed the swearing-in of Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, and Barrister Paul Obinatu as the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General,” he said.
The Governor further asserted that their appointments mark a new chapter in the collective journey to entrench accountability, competence, and judicial independence.
The State number one citizen pointed out that he was optimistic that the appointees would bring to their respective offices a deep sense of duty, professional excellence, and strict adherence to the constitution.
Uzodinma maintained that his administration would continue to ensure that no arm of government lagged behind in the business of service delivery, rule of law, and good governance.
