Imo speaker charges new judges to tackle delays in justice delivery, restore citizens’ faith

…Gov Uzodimma excites judges with new SUVs

…We’ll contribute decent quota to state dev – Justice Njoku

By Ezurike Ugochukwu
Right Honourable Chike Olemgbe, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly has called on newly appointed judges to tackle delays, boost justice dispensation and restore faith of the masses in the judiciary.
Hon Olemgbe at the swearing-in of seven new judges for the state High Courts and three Customary Court of Appeal judges by the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma last Monday charged on fast tracking many pending cases across the state.

Speaker Olemgbe and Dr. Mrs Ekomaruh, Deputy Governor

The speaker stated thus, “Reduce the number of cases pending in different courts across the state.”

In a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the speaker, Peter Uwa, the speaker applauded the state Chief Executive for giving consideration to such a pressing need of more judges in the state judicial arm, described the governor’s action as a step taken in the right direction.

Stressing that the timely appointment and subsequent inauguration of the new judges would reduce the number of cases pending in different courts across the state especially now the judiciary is passing through unbridled public criticism.

RT Hon. Olemgbe reminded the judges that a lot of judicial expertise is expected of them now.

He said, “It is often said that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man. So, any state or nation without effective or well-equipped judicial system will always experience one form of crisis or the other in justice delivery.
“This no doubt informed the decision by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to inject new life into the state judiciary by inaugurating you today.”

The number One lawmaker while congratulating the newly appointed judges observed that the state judiciary has now gotten greater vigour for the sacred job of justice dispensation as according to him, the new judges are men and women of proven integrity and unwavering commitment to service.
The Governor, Hope Uzodimma who had earlier promised to provide the judges with the needed support to help them discharge their duties efficiently and effectively charged them not to conduct themselves in a manner that will make the public doubt their integrity.
He appealed to relations and friends of judges not to place undue pressure that could make them derail in their averred duties.
He further announced the donation of 16 new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) to the 16 judges including the newly sworn-in 10 judges.

The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa, earlier in his address lauded the governor for appointing the judges as recommended by the NJC.

Akaolisa said their appointments would go a long way in making justice easier and accessible to the people of the state.
He described their appointment as a good thing happening to the judiciary in Imo and noted that before now the State Judiciary had been in short supply of judges.

Justice Uchenna Njoku, one of the new judges In her acceptance speech on behalf of the judges, expressed gratitude to God for their nomination and approval.

Justice Njoku

Justice Njoku applauded the state governor for “proving dependable” as well as appreciated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Chikeka for her support.

She assured the governor that they would deliver on their mandate and contribute their quota to the development of the state.
The newly sworn-in High Court judges are Uchenna Njoku, Cletus Akowundu, Mathew Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Chibuogwu, Adaego Nnosiri, Linus Ononogbo and Emeka Orafu.

Three judges of the Customary Court of Appeal sworn-in were Uchenna Ofoha, Greenman Eleanya and Ibeh Oluehi.