A Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State, has halted the Abia State Government from appointing new judges. This decision came after two female lawyers, Uzoamaka Ikonne and Victoria Nwokeukwu, filed a lawsuit seeking judicial appointments in the state.
The dispute began after the Abia State Judicial Service Commission shortlisted candidates for judicial appointments in 2022. These candidates underwent interviews with the National Judicial Council on October 17, 2022, and were screened by the State Security Service. They were waiting for the official announcement of their appointments when some individuals filed a suit to stop the process.
At the time, Okezie Ikpeazu was governor, but he left office on May 29, 2023, and Alex Otti, the newly elected governor, took office on the same day. Otti chose to cancel the 2022 recruitment and start a new appointment process. This decision upset those shortlisted in 2022, including the two lawyers, who filed the lawsuit.
The plaintiffs challenged the state’s new process for appointing 10 judges and sought an interim court order to maintain the status quo until the case is fully heard. They also requested additional orders as needed.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions from the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Obinna Nkume, Justice S. B. Onu ruled to maintain the status quo. The court also required the plaintiffs to provide an undertaking regarding potential damages if the order was found to be incorrect.