Gov. Ugwuanyi Inaugurates Reconstituted Enugu State Judicial Service Commission
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, inaugurated the newly reconstituted Enugu State Judicial Service Commission.
The inauguration came shortly after swearing-in Barr. Ben Chukwuemeka Ezeugwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Emma Jonathan-Ogbu, and Mr. Emmanuel James Chiezue Ugwu, as members.
Inaugurating the State Judicial Service Commission, at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi announced that the exercise was in pursuant of relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as well as the Enugu State Judicial Service Commission Law Cap. 60, Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004 (as amended), “following the expiration of the tenure of the prevision Commission by effluxion of time”.
The governor stated that the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu is the Chairman of the Commission while the State Attorney-General, Chief Miletus Eze, and the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Chibueze Nnamani, are members by their positions (ex-officio).
Gov. Ugwuanyi explained that the rest of the members were nominated and subsequently confirmed by the State House of Assembly.
His words: “To advise the Governor in nominating persons for appointment as Chief Judge of the State; President of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State; Judges of the High Court of the State; and Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal of the State.”
Gov. Ugwuanyi added that the Commission has the power to recommend to the Governor to remove any judicial officer from office, concerning sub-paragraphs (iii) and (iv) above and the exercise of disciplinary control over such officers.
“And to appoint, dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over the Chief Registrar and Deputy Chief Registrar of the High Court, the Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates, Chairman and members of Customary Courts, and all other members of the staff of the judicial services of the state not otherwise specified in the Constitution, and all staff of the Judicial Service Commission.
“Both the soul and standard-bearer of the State Judicial system, the governor, who pointed out that his administration has made an unprecedented investment in the infrastructure and human resource of the State Judiciary to enhance its performance, told the chairman and members that “you are eminently qualified for the job in hand”.
He, therefore, felicitated with them and expressed hope that they will aspire to strengthen the performance of the last Commission.
Responding, Barr. Ezeugwu thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy of the appointment and pledged that they will do their best as expected.”