Gov Ugwuanyi Swears In New Chief Judge

Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday swore in Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu, as acting Chief Judge of the state following the forceful retirement of the former chief judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, by the National Judicial Council, NJC. The new acting Chief Judge, Justice Emehelu, was sworn-in after an oath of office administered by the state’s Solicitor-General, Victor Emeribe. The governor said Emehelu’s swearing-in is consistent with Section 271 (4) of the 1999 constitution as amended. “If the office of the chief judge of a state is vacant, or if the person holding the office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of the office… the governor of the state shall appoint the most senior judge of the high court to perform those functions.” Ugwuanyi further stated that he had received two letters recommending the former chief judge’s suspension and compulsory retirement from office. “Accordingly, Hon. Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu, the most senior judge of the High Court of Enugu State, has been appointed and sworn-in as the acting chief judge of Enugu State,” Governor Ugwuanyi noted at the event held at the state’s Executive Council Hall.