Public affairs analyst, Prince Bob Njemanze, has weighed in on the ongoing rift between the Imo State Government and the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the leadership of the state’s judiciary, describing the situation as a product of deep-seated conspiracies and unresolved judicial politics.
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Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Njemanze argued that while Governor Hope Uzodinma complied with the appointment of Justice Theresa Ezonu as Acting Chief Judge, he has yet to carry out the constitutional duty of swearing her in, leaving the judiciary in limbo.
“The governor actually complied with the appointment of the acting Chief Judge. What is outstanding is the swearing-in. That is what has stalled the effective functioning of the office,” Njemanze said.
He recalled that the NJC had ordered the compulsory retirement of nine judges in June 2025 over age falsification, sparking a lull in judicial activities across the state. Njemanze added that the crisis was worsened by a “concentric circle of conspirators” who have manipulated the Imo judiciary since 1999.
He described Imo as a “victim of circumstance,” noting that cabals within the Judicial Service Commission had for years influenced appointments and blocked deserving candidates, including the first woman who ought to have been made Chief Judge.
On the controversy surrounding Justice Ezonu’s eligibility, Njemanze stressed that she was recommended as “number four” in the judicial hierarchy, a position he referred to as Imo’s “magic number.” He however urged the NJC to be more considerate in its dealings, insisting that the judge had been unfairly victimised.
“The Acting Chief Judge was caught between the devil and the deep sea. She never lobbied for the position. The NJC should show some fairness in dealing with her,” he said.
Njemanze commended the Nigerian Bar Association for its firm stance on the matter but warned that unless the swearing-in was resolved, Imo’s judiciary would continue to suffer.
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