Uzodimma Tasks Commission on Substantive Chief Judge for Imo
Tony Icheku in Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has charged the newly inaugurated Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to commence, immediately, the process of selecting a substantive Chief Judge for the State stressing that only Judges with credible records are nominated for positions of trust.
Speaking at Government House, Owerri, while inaugurating the JSC, Uzodimma mandated it to show integrity and courage by ensuring adequate and most effective dispensation of justice in the State. “Fasten your seat belts and weather the storm, no matter whose ox is gored.”
The governor further warned against falsification of age in the system, stressing that those involved in such acts should desist as it brings disrepute to the state and the judiciary
He further charged them to find courage to sanitise the judicial process in Imo, saying, “ensure we have credible records, sincere and honest people who will oversee the affairs of the judiciary.”
He also advised them to take government’s support for their assignment for granted, and that he will not appoint a Chief Judge who will ridicule his administration.
Members of the JSC include: Mssr Louis M. Alozie, SAN; Eze Duruiheoma, SAN; Paul Obinatu and Lady M.M. Anyanwu.
Same day, Uzodimma inaugurated nominees for the Board of the Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), and the Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA).
Also inaugurated were five new Commissioners, Chairmen and members of Civil Service Commission and that of Local Government Service Commission.
The governor said the idea is to strengthen the capacity of his administration towards the endowment of more democracy dividends to Imo people, and enjoined the appointees to demonstrate highest ethical standard in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing the five Commissioners- designate including Prof. Boniface G. Nworgu, Chief Kenneth Okafor, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike and Dr. Elias Emedom, the governor said they were brought on board to help strengthen the capacity of his administration to deliver on the mandate of call to serve the people.
He warned against toying with the call and honour to serve, reminding them to comport themselves in high ethical standards, devoid of any form of bickering with their Permanent Secretaries and the existing government bureaucracy.
To the members of the Civil Service Commission – Dr. (Mrs) Julie Onyeukwu (Chairman), Dr. Uche Edomobi, Goddy O. Dike and Dr. Romanus Ezeogu – the governor expressed delight over the Commission’s performance in his first tenure, saying it informed the reason most of them were reappointed.
However, he urged them to do better than they did before by show casing their capacity, and adding more value to the development of Imo State.
Uzodimma urged them to take his reforms in the civil service seriously, sustaining them as far as ongoing digitalisation is concerned, and even align the Service with the current global emphasis on Artificial intelligence.
He cautioned against the temptation of meddling in matters that will lead to compromising the integrity of the policy of government with regard to promotions, management of the civil service, and urged them to remain transparent, comply with best practices, and align themselves with ideas that will promote digital economy, social order in the system.
“If you fail to do the needful and choose to compromise the integrity of the policy, you will pay dearly for it, and you will regret it,” he said.
Uzodimma told members of the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) – Dr. Nick Obinatu (Chairman), Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu, Chief Chukwuemeka Anukam and Hon. Engr. Stanley Chibueze Okwuosa – to discharge their duties without fear or favour, and to ensure that the new Imo he promised is given adequate attention even at the local level.
He also warned them against acts that will lead to compromising the processes of engagement of personnel at the local government areas.
For the nominees of the Board of Imo State University, Owerri – Prof Fr. Philip Anyaehie Ogbonna (Chairman), Mr. Leo Stan Eke, Rt. Hon. Chuma Nnaji, Hon. Godwin Esom Obodo, Pharm. Chuks Okoronkwo and Princess Nkechi Mbachu – the governor urged them to recall the reason the founding fathers of Imo State fought for the establishment of the institution, and the need to restore her honour.
Eleven nominees were inaugurated for the ISOPADEC Board including Prof Eze Dele Odigbo (Chairman), Chief Austin Onyedebelu (Managing Director), Hon. Cassidy Ohamara, Hon. Nkeiru Ihesie, Dr. Mrs. Nina Nwulu, Hon. Mrs. Ijeoma Joy Ikegwuruka, Mrs. Esther Enoch, Hon. Bernard Nwanana, Chief Valentine Okere, Hon. Mrs. Ify Obi and Chief Kelechi Onuoha.
