The federal high court in Umia State of Abia State restricts the appointment of new judges in the state of Abia State. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by two female lawyers that attempted to be appointed as a judge in the state.
The dispute took place after the Abia State Judicial Services Commission was shortlisted for the judicial appointment in 2022. The candidates were interviewed by the National Judicial Commission on October 17, 2022 and screened by the National Security Agency. When some people file a lawsuit and stop the process, they are waiting for the formal announcement of their appointment.
At the time, Okezie Ikpeazu was the state governor, but he withdrew from the office on May 29, 2023. Newly elected Governor Alex Otti held his post on the same day and decided to give up his 2022 recruitment campaign to support the start of the new appointment process. The decision angered those shortlisted in 2022, including two lawyers, Uzoamaka Ikonne and Victoria Nwokeukukwu, who filed the lawsuit.
The plaintiff proposed a new process to the state government for appointing 10 judges and sought temporary orders from the court to maintain the status quo until the case could be fully heard. They also requested further orders as the court deemed appropriate.
After reviewing the affidavit and submission of plaintiff attorney Obinna Nkume, judge SB ONU made a judgment. The court ordered all parties to remain in the status quo until the plaintiff’s motion was heard and determined. The court further demanded that the plaintiff have promised damages if found to be inappropriate.
