By Valentine Amanze
The Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, CON, has reassured of the resolve of his administration to uphold the independence of the judiciary and abide by the rule of law –
the twin factors he identified as the only panacea to good governance.
He made the pledge at the swearing in of nine judges, seven for the State High Court, two for the Customary Court of Appeal, held at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri.
He said that the three arms of government must collaborate for good governance to thrive.
“To ensure good governance, the three arms of government must coexist as separate organs of government independently, but collaboratively”, he disclosed.
Ihedioha, however, revealed that his administration had maintained a symbiotic relationship with other arms of government, assuring that plans were in top gear to enhance the status of the judicial system in the state after several years of neglect.
“We have reconstituted the Judicial Service Commission; renovation of Judges Quarters has begun. We have also ensured payment of salaries of Judges as at when due and provided official guards for them.
“This administration achieved these feats within a short period of time despite our financial constraints,” he said.
The governor further said that of the 33 judges recommended for appointment across the federation by the National Judicial Council, NJC, nine judges, the highest, was approved for Imo State.
“The NJC approved nine judges for Imo State which is the highest, trailed by Rivers State which got approval for four judges.
“This is a testimony of our unwavering resolve to entrenching the tenets of rule of law in our state which can be achieved with an efficient and formidable judiciary,” he said.
He recalled steps taken by his administration on assumption of office to boost the state judiciary, which led to the appointment of magistrates, inspectors of court, bailiffs and other judicial staff.
While noting that these measures were taken to ensure an effective justice delivery system in the state, he advised the new judges to discharge their duties fairly and ensure they do justice to all manner of people without fear or favour.
In his remarks, the Chief Justice of Imo State, Justice Paschal Nnadi, said that Governor Ihedioha has revitalized the Judiciary in the state, which has translated to numerous gains to the judicial system, including expedition of cases.
He expressed gratitude to the governor for rejuvenating the judiciary and assured that the judiciary in the state would continue to serve justice to all. Justice Ihuoma Grace Chukwunyere who spoke on behalf of the newly inaugurated judges, assured that they would uphold the law at all times.
