THREE NEW JUDGES SWORN-IN AS ENUGU STATE GOVT. EXPRESSES COMMITMENT TO EMPOWER THE JUDICIARY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY

The Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has pledged his commitment towards ensuring that the state Judiciary is suitably equipped and empowered to function effectively as an independent arm of Government.

The Governor made the remark when he performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal Headquarters at Independence Layout, Enugu.

Governor Ugwuanyi said the State Customary Court of Appeal when completed would not only help to enhance the dignity, efficiency, productivity and safety of the courts, but also boost the confidence and comfort of all court users.

In an address, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, described the project as a significant venture, coming eight years after the establishment of the state Customary Court of Appeal.

Justice Emehelu, noted that the Judiciary was grateful for the State Government’s gesture.

The President, State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice George Nnamani described Governor Ugwuanyi as a leader with a listening ear and commended him for his administrative disposition to the Customary Court of Appeal.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji said measures had been taken to ensure that the edifice was according to  specifications.

Similarly the State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has sworn-in three new Judges.

The Judges, Former Chief Registrar in the State High Court of Justice, Mrs Linda Okibe, Chief Magistrate Grade One, Enugu State Judiciary, Mrs Esther NnennaAlukwu and Mrs Vera ChineyereAjokwu.

Performing the ceremony atGovernment House Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the inauguration of the Judges followed a letter directed to his office by the Chairman, National Judiciary Council, NJC, for appointment as High Court Judges.

He said that the appointmentwas for the quick dispensation of justice and appealed to the NJC, to keep to its earlier agreement of  appointing  four Judges  to fill-in the vacuum in the State judiciary.

Earlier, the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Ngozi Pricilla Emehelu while expressing confidence in the ability of the Judges to serve in the higher bench of the High Court of Justice, appealed for the financial autonomy of the State Judiciary as enshrined in the constitution of the the country.

The newly sworn-in Judges, Justice Linda Okibe and Justice NnennaAlukwe expressed their appreciation to God for the long awaited position.

 The Chief Judge of Enugu State during the ceremony announced the appointment of the new Acting Chief Registrar of the High Court, Mrs. Martha NkiruAroh-Onuoha.

CHUKWUMA EZEOGU