LEADERSHIP CONTROVERSY AS ABIA GETS ACTING NEW CHIEF JUDGE

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has sworn in Justice Kalu Ogwe as the new Acting Chief Judge of the State.

This followed the intervention of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the crisis rocking the State Judiciary, which recommended suspension of the former Acting Chief Judge Justice Obisike Orji.

Performing the ceremony at Government House Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu said the interest of the State Government was to ensure stability in the State Judiciary to the benefit of those who desired justice.

Governor Ikpeazu noted that the State would work closely with the NJC to enhance efficiency in the justice delivery system as a law abiding and responsible government.

He expressed confidence in the ability of the new Acting Chief Judge to steer the State Judiciary on the path of greatness.

The new Acting Chief Judge, Justice Kalu Ogwe, commended the Governor for abiding by the decision of NJC and pledged to give the State Judiciary the needed leadership for optimum service delivery.

Meanwhile the Abia State Government says it will abide by the decision of the National Judicial Council (NJC) on the crisis rocking the State Judiciary.

At a media briefing in Umuahia, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, said the State Government had elected not be meddle in the controversy in the Judiciary, noting that what was of interest to the State Government was good governance to the people of the State through an efficient Judiciary devoid of rancour, bickering, highhandedness and maladministration.

Chief Kalu noted that the NJC remained a variable organ in justice administration whose partnership with the State Government had impacted positively in enthroning best practices in the Judiciary.

He however appealed to NJC to reconsider its query and suspension of the former Acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Obisike Orji, as he was a victim of circumstance.

It would be recalled that the House of Assembly two weeks ago passed a resolution suspending the State Chief Judge Justice, Theresa Uzokwe, following allegations of gross misconduct which led to the swearing in of Justice Obisike Orji by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as the Acting Chief Judge of the State, an action which the National Judicial Commission declared null and void.

CHINEDU ANYASO