Four branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Imo State—Orlu, Okigwe, Mbano/Etiti, and Mbaise—have thrown their support behind Governor Hope Uzodimma’s appointment of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu, the fourth-ranked judge, as Acting Chief Judge.
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The endorsement came after a meeting of the branches on April 6, 2025, and was announced at a press conference by chairmen Prince B.O. Amukamara (Orlu), I.I. Iheonu (Okigwe), Ndubuisi Uhuehbu (Mbano/Etiti), and Chief Eze Ihekoronye (Mbaise).
This stance directly opposes the National Judicial Council (NJC), which rejected the appointment, asserting that Justice Nzeukwu is not the most senior judge in the Imo State judiciary. Despite this, the four branches praised the decision as “well-informed, legal, and constitutional,” claiming that Justice Nzeukwu is the most senior and qualified among the four senior judges, based on statutory and constitutional records. They argued that Governor Uzodimma acted within his authority under Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), commending his “courage and firmness” and congratulating Justice Nzeukwu on what they described as a merited appointment.
However, their position has been deemed “shameful” by critics, who argue that the four branches lack a legal basis for their support. The branches are accused of speaking in favor of the appointment in a manner that resembles those who operate with “brown envelope” politics, rather than upholding the integrity of the law. Critics claim that the branches are prioritizing political affiliations over constitutional adherence, undermining the rule of law in the process.
Meanwhile, the NBA Owerri Branch has aligned itself with the NJC, vehemently opposing the appointment and calling for its reversal. In a statement by Chairman Chief Chris U. Ihentuge and Secretary Daniel O. Odiba, the branch highlighted that Justice Nzeukwu’s position as the fourth-ranked judge violates Section 271(4), which mandates the appointment of the most senior judge as Acting Chief Judge.
They criticized the bypassing of three more senior judges without explanation, warning that such a move erodes public confidence in the judiciary. The Owerri Branch insisted that any valid impediment barring senior judges from the role should disqualify them from judicial duties altogether, underscoring their dedication to the rule of law.
The NBA Owerri demanded immediate action from the governor to correct the appointment, threatening to escalate the issue to key stakeholders—including the Imo State Attorney General, the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), the Judicial Service Commission, the NBA President, and the NJC—if their concerns are ignored.
The split within the NBA reflects a broader tension over judicial appointments in Imo State, with four branches backing Governor Uzodimma’s choice of the fourth-ranked judge and the Owerri Branch standing firm with the NJC, raising significant questions about judicial integrity and constitutional adherence.
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