The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary arms of government in Nigeria to redefine separation of powers by discharging their functions separately but with the spirit of oneness rather than the total isolation and discrimination that have ravaged the system.
Okorocha said this while swearing in the 10th Chief Judge (CJ) of Imo State, Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi at the Government House, Owerri Monday.
He urged the Judiciary to advocate for a national conference of the three arms, discuss the challenges of the oncoming 2015 elections and work out modalities that will save the nation from doing anything unconstitutional or reaching ‘a point of no return’.
Congratulating the new Chief Judge on his meritorious appointment, Okorocha reminded him of the need to maintain his relationship with God who does not only hold the destiny of all but will also judge everyone accordingly, urging him to discharge his many duties without fear or favour. “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.
The Imo Chief Executive used the occasion to call on women whom he described as ‘silent achievers’ not to relent in their prayers for the success of their husbands in positions of authority and for peace in the home.
Okorocha appealed to politicians to shun violence and thuggery while campaigning for leadership positions warning that ‘no leader is worth anybody’s life.’
He thanked the Judiciary Service Commission for peaceful selection of their leaders and commended the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze for working in tandem with the Rescue Mission in making a feat in different areas, including the hosting of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) conference in the state, building of the Judicial Service Secretariat, renovation of Customary Courts buildings, 100 per cent free education, infrastructural development, massive road construction, regular payment of salaries to Imo workers, among others; and hoped for more cooperation and achievements.
In his response, Nnadi described his up-liftment as divine-will and thanked the Judicial Service Commission for maintaining their selection strictly on character, administrative skills and respect for constituted authorities while promising to deliver as expected.
He expressed gratitude to Okorocha for good governance and pledged more support to the Rescue Mission and other stakeholders especially the bench. He urged them not to take his position for granted, but solicited for the cooperation and prayers of all for excellent performance in lifting Imo to greater height and re-engineer the judiciary for greater service delivery.
The occasion was graced by the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajimogu, other members of the State Executive Council and members of the House, past and present personalities in the State Judiciary, and a host of others.