By Adenike Lawal
The National Judicial Council has ordered the immediate reversal of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, declaring the process unconstitutional.
In a bold move that reinforces its authority, the Council directed Governor Hope Uzodimma to cancel the appointment, citing procedural irregularities that violate the Nigerian Constitution.
The appointee has been given seven days to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against him for accepting the position under such conditions.
The NJC also faulted the President of the Imo State Customary Court of Appeal for presiding over the State Judicial Service Commission meeting that recommended the controversial appointment.
The Council described the act as a breach of the Constitution and warned that sanctions may follow.
In a separate but related development, a Justice of the Court of Appeal and several other judicial officers have been suspended for one year without pay, in what appears to be a broader effort to clean up the judiciary.
The Council’s latest actions signal a renewed determination to uphold judicial ethics, protect the integrity of the bench, and ensure strict compliance with due process in all appointments and decisions.
