Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State today swore in Justice
Peter Nwoke Chukwuma Agumagu as the state’s new Chief Judge. The event took
place in Government House, Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.
The swearing in ceremony took place after a Federal High Court dismissed
a case seeking to bar Justice Agumagu’s appointment. Numerous interested
parties in the state had attempted to prevent the governor from nominating
Justice Agumagu as the chief judge. The new CJ had previously served as the
President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal.
At the
ceremony, Governor Amaechi alluded to the series of legal disputes, but called
on the new Chief Judge not to let the acrimony becloud his judicial decisions.
The governor enjoined the state’s top judge to endeavor to be fair to all
litigants.
Speaking
further, Mr. Amaechi stated that he was “a bit worried with the way people in
the judiciary fought over who would be the Chief Judge of the State.” He added
that he was disturbed by efforts from some quarters to strip him, as state
governor, of the prerogative of nominating a Chief Judge.
He
expressed gratitude to the Federal High Court in Rivers for ensuring that
justice was done. He then told Justice Agumagu not to view the opposition to
his appointment as unusual, reminding him that appointments into every major
office in Nigeria, including that of bishops, is often marked by tussles.
In a
veiled reference to Abuja-based politicians from the state suspected to have
masterminded the legal battle against the new CJ, Governor Amaechi said, “I
would on behalf of Rivers State thank the Federal High Court for helping us out
of this bondage. I would say to the Federal High Court that our brothers
who [have the] privilege of their position in high office should not abuse
their office again.” He stated that appointments should be based on merit
instead of cronyism, adding that he would like to see an end to political
interference in matters of judicial appointments.
On his part, Justice Agumagu told reporters that he would focus on
rendering justice, adding that he would work towards a reinvigorated judiciary.
He also pledged to ensure that workers in the judicial sector have improved
conditions. - Saharareporters
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