| Appoint CJ by seniority,
says Ebonyi NBA boss
By PETRUS OBI, Abakaliki
Monday, November 8, 2004
The chairman of the Ebonyi State branch of the Nigerian
Bar Association (NBA) Barrister Anthony Oka, has advocated
that the appointment of Chief Judge of the state must be by
seniority.
The suggestion came barely four years after the pioneer chief
Judge of the state, Justice Edward Isuama was removed following
a resolution of the State House of Assembly.
Speaking on the occasion of the opening of the 2004 legal
year in Abakaliki weekend, Barrister Oka noted that four years
after Isuama was dethroned, "we have had two acting Chief
Judges, this has made us a laughing stock for allowing this
obvious unconstitutionality.
"Whenever an office, especially one as sensitive, essential
and important as that of the Head of the Judiciary is occupied
in an acting capacity for a length of time, it indicates instability
in a system.
"I speak as chairman of the Bar and say that we fought
off Isuama and we are not weary. The battle we will fight
is the battle for justice and independence of the judiciary."
The NBA chairman noted that this is more in accordance with
section 270 (4) and (5) of the constitution, which urged Governor
Sam Egwu not to be persuaded to ask the National Judicial
Council for any further extension of the tenure of an acting
chief judge.
He called for a situation where states appoint their judges
rather than the recommendation of National Judicial Council,
pointing out that the states are in a better position to exercise
such functions.
"In this appointment, I propose that they stand for election
before the lawyers practising in that jurisdiction. Victory
should make up 75 per cent of the chances of the person seeking
to be appointed."
Declaring open the occasion, Governor Egwu congratulated the
judiciary for the successful completion of the 2003 legal
year.
Egwu who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Chigozie
Ogbu noted that the state has enjoyed the most harmonious
relationship amongst the three arms of government.
He extolled the state judiciary for making the state proud
in dispensation of justice, which he said, has always been
decided on their merits.
In his address, the state acting Chief Judge, Justice Aloy
Nwankwo noted that he embarked upon a series of prison visits
at Abakaliki and Afikpo, during which a total of 32 inmates
deserving release from custody were discharged, while 33 others
were granted bail.
He also noted that there was a remarkable reduction in the
number of cases at the various courts within the past legal
year.
"It is hoped that by our dogged determination and commitment
to greater service, the number of pending cases in our courts
will experience a drastic reduction in the current year."
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