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OWERRI – The recent public notification made by Imo State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for the purposes of appointing a substantive Chief Judge, High Court of Imo State has attracted wide criticisms and condemnations from some concerned indigene of the state one of which came from an elder statesman and social commentator – Prince Bob Njemanze who faulted the process.
The fiery Public Affairs Analyst raised his voice in Owerri when he spoke to a section of the media mocking what he described as a faulty process deliberately adopted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC)for such a crucial appointment.
According to Njemanze, in the public notification signed by Jennifer Obianuju Nwosu Esq, the Secretary of the commission, entitled ‘Shortlisted Candidates For Appointment as Chief Judge, High Court of Imo State’, the notification stated that in pursuant to paragraph 5.4 of the National Judicial Council Revised Guidelines for appointment of the Chief Judge, Grand Kadi, and President of Customary Court of Appeal 2023,the Imo state Judicial Service Commission (JSC) thus published the names of judges shortlisted for consideration for the appointment of a chief Judge of High Court of Imo state.
The fiery Analyst listed names carried by the public notification as Hon. Justice Ononeze-Madu who is the second most senior judge after Justice Ijeoma Agugua.
The acting chief judge was appointed to the higher bench in August 2, 2004. On the list too, is Hon. Justice Eugene Agada who is at present reported to be indisposed, joined the higher bench in May, 9, 2008.
He disclosed that the Commission had claimed that the names were strictly listed in order of seniority based on dates of appointment to the high court given their Judicial service record and now calling for Memoranda/ comments from members of the public, the Nigerian Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations, and stake holders as they request their assessments of their suitability,integrity, reputation and character of the listed Judges.
