The National Judicial Council (NJC) has distanced itself from the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as the acting Chief Judge of Imo State by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In a statement released on Friday, signed by Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, the Council clarified that although Governor Uzodimma had submitted a letter requesting approval for the appointment of Justice Nzeukwu — who ranks fourth in the state’s judicial hierarchy — the NJC has not yet considered the request.
The statement read, “The attention of the Council has been drawn to reports stating that the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma, has appointed Hon. Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge following the recent disciplinary action against the former Chief Judge. The National Judicial Council wishes to clarify that it has not yet deliberated on this request.”
The NJC explained that the Governor had provided reasons for bypassing the three more senior judges, but the Council has not yet taken any decision on the matter. The Council also stated that its next meeting, scheduled for April 29th and 30th, 2025, will discuss the request.
The NJC emphasized that it has not granted approval for the appointment and is not involved in the purported appointment of Justice Nzeukwu.