This comes months after the former Chief Justice, Theresa Chikeka, was removed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following an indictment for age falsification.
Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu is sworn in as the new Acting Chief Judge of Imo State on April 4, 2025.
The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has sworn in Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the new Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, alongside two new Commissioners – Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha and Dr. (Mrs.) Chioma Egu.
The swearing-in of the acting Chief Judge is coming months after the former Chief Justice, Theresa Chikeka, was removed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) following an indictment for age falsification.
During the swearing-in ceremony and oath-taking at the Government House in Owerri, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a dependable and responsible judiciary in Imo State.
Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu greets Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma after his swearing in as the Chief Judge on April 4, 2025.
While referencing the issue surrounding the removal of the former Chief Judge, the governor explained that the situation prompted a collaborative review between the state government and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to verify the records of all judges appointed by the state, ensuring they are above reproach.
He emphasised that Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment followed a meticulous review by the JSC and was made in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He further directed the JSC to accelerate the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge for the state.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma presides over the swearing in of Justice Theophilus Nnamdi Nzeukwu as the Acting Chief Judge of the state on April 4, 2025.
Governor Uzodimma urged all judicial officers to regard their mandate as sacred, advising them to act with integrity, fear of God, and commitment to justice and equity.
He charged the new Acting Chief Judge with the responsibility of restoring dignity to the judiciary and prayed for divine guidance in his new role.
For the newly sworn-in Commissioners, Uzodimma encouraged them to add value to governance in Imo State and to work collaboratively for the good of the people.
In his acceptance speech, Justice Nzeukwu thanked the governor and the JSC for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged not to betray the trust and vowed to usher in a new era of credibility and accountability within the judiciary.
“The era of business as usual is over,” he declared. “We are determined to restore public confidence in the judiciary and make it truly the last hope of the common man.”
Justice Nzeukwu expressed optimism about the future of the judiciary in Imo State and called on judicial staff to remain patient, resist undue influence, and uphold professionalism.
Speaking on behalf of the new Commissioners, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, a former Commissioner for Education, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve again.
He assured the governor that they would diligently work to justify their appointments and contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals.
