ENUGU — The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Tuesday swore in Hon. Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena as the substantive Chief Judge of the State.
Ugwuanyi noted that the swearing-in is in line with the provisions of Section 271 Sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as the lawmakers have screened and confirmed the appointment of Justice Ozoemena.
In his speech, the Governor said, “Hon. Justice Ozoemena is eminently qualified for the job. I am confident that he will bring juristic erudition, diverse experience, and integrity to bear on the administration of the Enugu State Judiciary”.
Ugwuanyi then charged him to keep up with the good work in the state Judiciary.
Responding, Justice Ozoemena promised to maintain the tempo of peace and harmonious relationship that exists between the Executive and the Judiciary in the state.
Following the retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu on the 7th of September, 2021, Justice Ozoemena was appointed as Acting Chief Judge of the state.
His appointment as Acting Chief Judge of Enugu State was based on the order of seniority of the Judges of Enugu High Court as confirmed by the National Judicial Council (NJC).
At the elapse of the three months as stipulated for Acting capacity, Justice Afojulu was reappointed on 8th December 2021 as Acting Chief Judge.
The swearing-in took place at the EXCO Chamber of the Government House, Enugu, with the following dignitaries in attendance; the President, Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Nnamani; former Minister of Information and immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Festus Uzor; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prof. Malachy Okwueze; the State Attorney-General, Chief Miletus Eze; other members of the State Executive Council (EXCO); Special Advisers to the Governor; Judges of the State Judiciary and members of the State Judicial Service Commission, among others.
