Ogbonnaya Ikokwu , Umuahia

The Abia State House of Assembly on Friday passed a resolution , suspending the state ’ s Chief Judge , Justice Theresa Uzokwe , following a public petition brought before the House against her by a civil society organisation , Global Centre for Peace and Justice .

The petition alleged tyranny and obstruction of administration of justice in the state , gross misconduct , denigration of the office of the chief judge , and embezzlement , among others.

The petition was dated January 22 and captioned : “Justice Theresa Uzokwe ’ s unending acts of tyranny , infamy , gross misconduct and incompetence : Urgent need to save the administration of justice in Abia .”

The petition was jointly signed by the Executive Director , Dr . Anthony Agbazuere , and Director , Legal Services , Mr . Obinna Nkume, of the Global Centre for Peace and Justice , an Umuahia – based non -governmental organisation .

The petitioners also accused the CJ of acts of lawlessness and disrespect to state authorities , denigration of the office of the CJ , financial malfeasance and “morbid hatred for Abia and her citizens , ” among others.

The member representing Ukwa West State Constituency, Mr . Tony Nwubani , cited the provision of Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution as amended which , according to him , empowers the house to investigate the allegations levelled against the CJ .

The member representing Isialangwa North , Chief Martins Azubuike , urged the house to be properly guided by section 36 of the Constitution, which provides for fair hearing , in handling the petition.

In a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House , Chief Solomon Akpulonu, and seconded by the Minority Leader , Chief Abraham Oba , they urged the House to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations .

The motion also called for the suspension of the CJ and appointment of an acting CJ by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu .

While reading the resolution, the Speaker of the House , Mr . Chikwendu Kalu , however set up an eight – man ad hoc committee to investigate the allegations and report back to the House within seven days .
An Acting Chief Judge , Justice Obisike Orji , has been subsequently sworn- in to take over from Uzokwe .

Speaking at the swearing – in ceremony at the EXCO chambers of the Government House , Umuahia , Ikpeazu said that the swearing – in was in line with the constitution of the country , having received the resolution of the House .

Source:- Punchng