The Federal High Court in Umuahia has issued an order restraining the Abia State Government and its agents from initiating a new process for appointing judges in the state.
The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by two applicants challenging the state government’s decision to abandon a previous selection process and commence a fresh one for the appointment of 10 new judges.
In 2022, the Abia State Judicial Service Commission shortlisted candidates for judicial appointments. The candidates subsequently participated in an interview on October 17, 2022, conducted by the National Judicial Council (NJC). They also underwent screening by the Department of State Security (DSS) and were awaiting formal appointments when a lawsuit halted the process.
Frustration mounted when the Abia State Government abandoned the 2022 selection process and initiated a new one, prompting Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne and Victoria Okey Nwokeukwu—representing themselves and other shortlisted candidates—to take legal action. The plaintiffs filed a suit against the Abia State Judicial Service Commission, the state’s Chief Judge, the Attorney General, and eight others.
The applicants sought an interim order to maintain the status quo pending the resolution of their motion for an interlocutory injunction. They also urged the court to make any further orders deemed necessary.
After considering the supporting affidavit, Justice S.B. Onu ordered that all parties preserve the existing situation as it stood prior to the new appointment process. The plaintiffs were required to provide an undertaking for damages should the court later determine that the order was improperly granted.
The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding the appointment of new judges in Abia State, as stakeholders await the court’s final decision on the motion.
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