Crisis in Imo State Judiciary: A Betrayal from Within

In a recent paper presented by Hon. justice O.Y. Anuwe at the induction course for newly appointed Judges of the Superior Courts of Record (Batch A) on 5th May, 2025 titled Ethics, Conduct and Behaviour as Judge, he wrote “A judge must be prepared to stand up to the executive and legislative branches of government, even in the face of threats and intimidation. The judiciary is the last line of defence against tyranny and oppression. Judges must be prepared to protect the constitution with all they’ve got”.

The above assertion is a reminder that judges must defend the Constitution, even against threats from other branches of government.

Sadly, the Imo State judiciary has done the opposite.

In clear violation of Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution, the Governor of Imo State appointed the Fourth Most Senior Judge as Acting Chief Judge, bypassing more senior colleagues. But for the timely intervention of the National Judicial Council!

Now, the deeper issue lies with the judges who accepted and enabled this breach. By colluding with the executive for personal gain, they undermined the rule of law, violated their oath of office, and betrayed public trust.

Judicial independence is not merely an ideal—it is essential for democracy. When judges abandon their duty, they don’t just fail the system; they become complicit in its breakdown.

If the judiciary had stood firm, the governor would have had no choice but to respect the law. Instead, this episode reveals how internal compromise can be just as dangerous as external pressure.
The real threat to judicial integrity in Imo isn’t just political interference—it’s the judges who allowed it.