Ozoemena sworn in as Enugu’s Acting Chief Judge

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Governor of Enugu State, has sworn in Justice Afojulu Raymond Ozoemena as the state’s new acting Chief Judge.

This came after Justice Ngozi Priscilla Emehelu, the state’s immediate past Chief Judge, announced her retirement on September 7, 2021.

Ugwuanyi explained that the decision was based on the order of seniority of the state High Court Judges as confirmed by the National Judicial Council (NJC) via its letter with Reference number: NJC/S.14/HC.EN/9/1/228 dated September 1, 2021, when he swore in Ozoemena as acting Chief Judge yesterday.

Given the sensitivity of the office and its functions, the governor noted that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, did not contemplate a vacancy in the office of the Chief Judge of a state.

He explained that the governor of a state is empowered under Section 271 sub-Section 4 of the Constitution to appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform the functions of a Chief Judge of a state if a vacancy occurs in the position until a person has been appointed to and assumed the functions of that office.

Ugwuanyi congratulated Justice Ozoemena on his well-deserved appointment, expressing confidence that he will contribute to the administration of the Enugu State judiciary with his legal erudition, diverse experience, and gravitas.

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“I wish you well, and I pray that God gives you the strength and wisdom to carry out this herculean task,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Ozoemena thanked God for allowing him to be sworn in as the state’s acting Chief Judge, as well as Ugwuanyi for seeing him as deserving of the position.

He expressed gratitude to the retired Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Emehelu, for the exemplary leadership qualities she demonstrated during her time in the state judiciary, and promised to build on the legacies she left behind.