Umahi swears in new Acting Chief Judge

Governor David Umahi on Monday in Abakaliki swore in Ebonyi State’s new acting Chief Judge, Justice Anselm Nwaigwe, who replaced the retired former Chief Judge, Justice Alloy Nwankwo.

Umahi, who performed the ceremony in the presence of top government officials, leaders and stakeholders of the Ezza clan where Nwaige hails from, commended the peaceful transition.

The governor commended the former chief judge for “giving birth” to a successor without bitterness, rancour or fighting as obtained in other places.

“There is a unique unity in the land of Ebonyi and judges in the state are also unique and are guided in all judicial functions by the fear of God. We don’t have much advice to offer you but if you cannot surpass the record of the former chief judge, try and maintain it. I know you have learnt much from the former chief judge being close to him,” he said.

He said that the National Judicial Council will soon communicate with the government about Nwaigwe’s confirmation as the state’s substantial chief judge.

“We will then communicate appropriately to the House of Assembly which in its uniqueness does not delay its proceedings. We are hopeful to gather again soon to remove the acting from your position,” he said.

He thanked the leaders and stakeholders from the Ezza clan and promised that all indigenes, who would be displaced as a result of the state’s international airport in the area, would be adequately resettled and compensated.

Mr Cletus Ofoke, the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, noted that Section 271. Sub Section 4 of the 1999 constitution as amended stipulates that the position of the chief judge must be occupied in the absence of the previous occupier.

“This ceremony is remarkable because it was devoid of internal politics and rancour that is obtained in other states,” he said.

Nwaigwe, in his reaction, thanked the government and the entire judicial community for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to disappoint them.

The News Agency of Nigeria further reported that Umahi also swore in 15 Senior Special Assistants and Senior Assistants into his cabinet.