Opinions on the Disciplinary Actions  of NJC in Imo

The embattled Acting Chief Judge of Imo state Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu and the President of Customary Court of Appeal Imo state Justice V.O Okorie are facing Disciplinary action from National Judicial Commission (NJC) for gross misconduct, undermining judicial rules and principles.

The NJC took Disciplinary measures against the President of the Customary Court of Appeal Imo state Justice V.U Okorie who presided over the Judicial Service Commission (meeting) that recommended Justice Ezeukwu’s appointment as the Acting Chief Judge of Imo state when he knew fully well that he was not the most senior Judge in Imo state Judiciary. Justice Okorie has been asked to show cause within seven days why Disciplinary action should not be taken against him?

Recall, that when a similar situation happened in Abia State years ago, both the Acting Chief Judge and the Judge that recommended the appointment were sacked and their career ruined and ended.

I do not have pity on those two Imo Judges who despite knowing the truth, decided to allow the Governor to ruin their career. They couldn’t even reflect how the same man ruined the career of their predecessors (justice Ijeoma and Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka).

It’s really unfortunate seeing how successive Imo state Chief Judges have become so subservient  to a man who doesn’t care or give a hoot about any of them. As long as you are a willing tool, he will use you and dump you when you have outlived your usefulness and he has no need for your services again.

The Governor has denied both of them, that he acted based on the recommendation of the Imo state Judicial Council as represented by Justice Okorie, who is the loser now? But the truth remains, that he forced Justice Okorie to do that controversial recommendation.

Well, Justice Okorie has to carry his cross and face the consequences for lowering his integrity and fallen short of judicial ethics and principles.

The onus now lies on the practicing Judges of Imo state, to maintain their dignity and high integrity and of course, avoid the ‘Authority’ that is hell bent on destroying all of them. These two Judges are now on a crossroad because the man that sent them, has denied them. It is over for them. Let other Judges learn from their debacle. It is so painful but two of them are responsible for their own misfortune. That’s the fact.

Fabian Ihekweme Ph.D