THE Abia State House of Assembly has invited the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Umeh Kalu, SAN, to appear before it to explain while he misled Governor Okezie Ikpeazu into swearing-in the wrong person as acting Chief Judge following the suspension of Justice Theresa Uzokwe by the House.
Recall that the National Judicial Council, NJC, reversed the action of the Governor, saying that Justice Obisike Orji who was sworn-in as the Acting Chief Judge was not the proper person to act. The council went further to suspend Justice Obisike Orji for accepting to be sworn-in knowing that he was not the most senior Judge in the hierarchy, a rule respect and guide jealously in the judiciary.
Worried by the embarrassment the action has caused the State and the Governor, the House decided to invite the attorney general who is the chief law officer to come explain why he did not advise the Governor properly.
Meanwhile, the House has recommended the sacking of the suspend Chief Judge of the State, Justice Theresa Uzokwe, saying that she failed to appear before the House Committee that sat over the petition written her.
However, in compliance with NJC’s directive, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Monday, sworn-in Justice Onuoha Kalu Ogwe as acting Chief Judge of the state.
Swearing-in Justice Ogwe, Governor Ikpeazu explained that there was no under current in the decision of the Government except to stabilize the judiciary which should not be left without a head.
“Last week I received a resolution of Abia State House of Assembly which led to the suspension of the former Chief Judge. Last week NJC sat and gave directive as to what they think is the proper thing that is why we are here today. Our aim is to stabilize the judiciary in Abia State”, Ikpeazu stated.
He expressed confidence that the new acting Chief Judge would ensure that the objective of stabilizing the judiciary arm of government was achieved.
Meanwhile Abia State Government has appealed to the NJC to temper Justice with mercy over the issue of the suspended Justice Obisike Oji. Making the appeal, the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner of Justice, Umeh Kalu, SAN, said that Orji was a victim of victim of circumstance.
(Vanguradngr)
