By Andy Ezugwu, Nsukka
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Enugu State Judicial Service Commission and swore in Barr. Ben Chukwuemeka Ezeugwu, Mr. Ifeanyi Emma Jonathan-Ogbu and Mr. Emmanuel James Chiezue Ugwu, as members of the commission.
Inaugurating the Commission at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Enugu, Gov. Ugwuanyi said that the exercise was pursuant to the 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 previous Commission by effluxion of time”.
He also announced the Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Priscillia Ngozi Emehelu, as 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 virtue of their positions (ex-officio).
Governor Ugwuanyi who further explained that the rest of the members were nominated and subsequently confirmed by the State House of Assembly said that the Judicial Commission has the mandate 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 and shall also have the power to recommend to the governor, the removal from office of the judicial officer specified in the sub-paragraphs (iii) and (iv) of Enugu State Judicial Service Commission Law Cap. 60, Revised Laws of the Enugu State 2004 (as amended) 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,” he said.
Ugwuanyi described the Commission as both the soul and standard-bearer of the state Judicial System, saying that his administration has made unprecedented investment in the infrastructure and human resource of the State Judiciary with a view to enhancing its performance.
He therefore expressed hope and trust that the appointees will strive to sustain and possibly improve on the stellar performance of the last Commission.
Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in members, Barr. Ezeugwu thanked Governor Ugwuanyi for finding them worthy of the appointment and pledged that they will do their best to place the state judiciary in the expected position.