The High Court Complex in Owerri has remained largely inactive throughout this week, following the shockwaves triggered by the recent dismissal of 10 judges from Imo State by the National Judicial Council.
The atmosphere around the court premises was noticeably tense, with staff members and lawyers clustering in small groups, quietly discussing what many described as “the tsunami that was visited on Imo State Judiciary by the NJC.” Meanwhile, numerous litigants appeared visibly distressed, lamenting that their cases would not proceed as scheduled.
One of the affected litigants, who gave his name simply as Chiekezi, expressed deep frustration over the impact of the development on his long-standing legal battle.
“My matter, which has been lingering for years, was almost at the point of getting the judgment but with what has happened now, the matter will start afresh and this is if and when a Chief Judge who will assign it to a judge, is appointed!” he said.
“My fear is that I don’t see the reassignment of my case happening in the next one or two months. It is a personal loss.”
Similarly, a concerned citizen, Chike Azuoma, shared his dismay over the situation, pointing out what he saw as a troubling vacuum in the state’s judicial leadership.
“It is sad to note that Imo State, to the best of my knowledge, appears to be the only state in Nigeria that does not have a Chief Judge, an Attorney General and an Administrative Judge!” Azuoma said.
“What this means is that the judiciary in the state, the third arm of government, is simply non-existent or if you like to use a milder word, comatose.
“Just a few days ago, Governor Hope Uzodimma decried the state of the state’s judiciary and this is not to say that he has no blame in all these.
“Beyond this, I really don’t understand how any serving judge should be involved in age falsification. We are talking about people who are supposed to be above board, people who ought to speak truth to power.”
Responding to another question, Azuoma appealed directly to Governor Uzodimma to intervene urgently to rescue the declining fortunes of the state’s judiciary.
He warned that “the ultimate victims are the innocent citizens.”
