– As Attorney General Allegedly Insists On Acting Judge’s Replacement
What seems to be a silent war is brewing between the Imo State judiciary and the executive arm of government as the former, appears not to be pleasantly disposed to confirming the incumbent Acting Chief Judge, Hon Justice Ijeoma Agugua as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
According to reliable insiders who pleaded anonymity, “the appointment of a Chief Judge is based on seniority and Justice Ijeoma Agugua is currently the most senior judge in the order of hierarchy. But the names of her juniors namely, Justice Ononeze Madu and Justice Agada, were sent to the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) as likely persons to become Chief Judge of Imo State.When the issue was brought before the NJC, alongside the uproar it generated, the NJC, extended Justice Agugua’s tenure in acting capacity by three months.”
It was also gathered that during the visit of the Nigeria Bar Association’s National leadership to Imo State, the Attorney General was quoted as saying that Imo does not have a Chief Judge. The source further stated that the issue between the Attorney General and the Chief Judge of the state adversely affected the event which was earlier scheduled to hold at Rockview Hotel but was later shifted to another venue in very controversial circumstances that cast a dent on the image of the state.
According to him “the executive is not comfortable with having Justice Agugua as the Chief Judge because she may not be easily manipulated. Besides, they see her as a tough, straight forward and no-nonsense personality. Another issue the executive seems to be considering is Governor Uzodinma’s tenure that will end in January 2028 and his senatorial ambition for which he may be sworn in June 2027, assuming he wins the election. This is said to be why the Governor is allegedly bent on having someone who will do his bidding as the substantive Chief Judge, considering the cardinal role the occupant of the position will play in that regard when the need arises”.
A lawyer who commented on the development on the condition of anonymity said, “the Governor’s alleged refusal to confirm Justice Agugua’s appointment as the substantive Chief Judge of the state may not be unconnected with the intrigues associated with the 2027 election, where the Chief of the state is expected to play a crucial role. However, the problem they have is that Justice Agugua is not likely to retire soon and there is no way they will lawfully sideline her in favour of any of her juniors”.
He recalled a similar incident when Justice Agugua, who was the most senior judge, was sidelined and her junior appointed the Chief Judge of Imo State. According to him, “it took the intervention of the NJC, that responded to the protest of the Nigeria Bar Association, Imo State chapter for the anomaly to be corrected. Hence, Justice Agugua, was appointed in acting capacity. Since then, it has been a push and shove affair but the woman has remained fair, firm and resolute”.
