“I didn’t abscond from my duty post” – Abia State Chief Judge T. Uzokwe

Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has denied the allegations that she absconded from her duty post to avoid the swearing-in of Dr. Uche Ogah as Governor of the state last week. It was reported that the Chief Judge went missing after INEC followed Court orders and issued a certificate of return to Uche Ogah.

In a statement issued through Mrs. Vicky Analaba – Acting Chief Registrar of Abia State Judiciary, the Chief Judge refuted the allegations and cleared the air. The statement reads,
“The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State. Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the Chief Judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from8:30am till 4:30pm. For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the Chief Judge was in her court room performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.

The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 Francis Akor vs The State; HU/ICM/2016-Johnson Asiegbu vs. Commissioner OF Police, HU/42CM/2016-Onyekachi Samuel vs. Commissioner of Police; HU/34CM/2016-Lucky Sampson vs. The State.

These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses. This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight.”