Obiano Swears In Prof. Ogugua Ikpeze And 2 Others As Members Of The Anambra State Judicial Council.

He swore in the new members at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia. The new members include former Deputy Governor, Mr Emeka Sibeudu, a Professor of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Ogugua Ikpeze and a former Director in the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Benedict Obi. They replace three former members of the Council whose tenure have expired and are to serve for a period of 5 years. The State Judicial Council which comprises 6 persons have other members including the State Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr Uju Nworgu and another member whose tenure has not expired. The Council has major among its terms of reference, to oversee the appointment of Judges and exercise disciplinary controls over staff of the State Judiciary. Swearing in the new members, Governor Obiano expressed the hope that with their pedigree, they will add value to what his government is doing in repositioning the State judiciary. He called on the newly sworn in members to be focused and ensure that they bring their integrity to bear in their new assignment. Earlier, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Bar Nworgu while noting that the appointments were pursuant to the provisions of Section 198 of the 1999 constitution, said the new members have been cleared by the State House of Assembly. In their separate remarks, some of the newly sworn in members of the Council, Mr Sibeudu and Professor Ikpeze while thanking the governor for the opportunity given them to serve, said they are aware of the task ahead and will do their best not to disappoint the State. In a goodwill message, the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and commended Governor Obiano for carefully selecting the individuals who he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver on the job.]]>