JUSTICE OZOEMENA SWORN IN AS ENUGU STATE CHIEF JUDGE

REPORTER: IKECHUKWU EZEONA

Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena has been sworn in as the 6th substantive Chief Judge of Enugu State.

The State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, administered the oath of office on the new Chief Judge.

He had earlier served as Acting Chief Judge of the state for three months on two consecutive occasions.

This follows the retirement from the service of othe Enugu State judiciary of the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, on the attainment of the constitutionally prescribed retirement age of 65 years on September 7, 2021.

Performing the ceremony at the Executive Council, EXCO Chambers of the Government House Enugu, Governor Ugwuanyi announced that the swearing in follows the recommendation by the National Judicial Council, NJC and subsequent confirmation by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

The Governor commended the new Chief Judge and other Judicial Officers in the state for remaining unsoiled despite operating at a time when the judiciary had been facing an integrity crisis.

He tasked Justice Ozoemena to further ensure the speedy dispensation of justice and to strengthen the state’s magistracy.

“I wish you well and pray to God to grant you wonderful career as the Chief Judge of Enugu State,” the Governor remarked.

In a reaction, Justice Ozoemena pledged to be above board in the discharge of his sacred duties, and promised to work harmoniously with other judges and other arms of government to ensure effective dispensation of justice in Enugu State.

“My regime is going to be a successful regime, all the the things my previous Chief Judge has done I am going to improve on them,” he pledged.

Top judicial officers and government officials in Enugu State, alongside a former President General, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, graced the event.