Following the decisive outcome of the National Judicial Council (NJC) meeting held on 26 June 2025, where the Council compulsorily retired Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu for presenting himself for swearing-in as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State despite being only the fourth most senior judge, reactions have poured in from legal practitioners within and beyond Imo State, reigniting the debate on accountability in judicial governance.
Justice Nzeukwu’s removal came after months of legal and civic outcry against what was widely described as a constitutional aberration and executive hijack of the Imo Judiciary. The NJC found his conduct in flagrant violation of both Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution and its earlier directives, which insisted on the appointment of the most senior judge in acting capacity when a vacancy occurs.
However, while the NJC’s action against Justice Nzeukwu has been widely praised as a bold step in upholding constitutional order, lawyers across Imo and beyond are questioning why the senior lawyers who aided the unconstitutional appointment have not faced similar consequences.
At the center of the storm are prominent legal personalities, including:
- Chief Eze Duruiheoma, SAN
- L.M. Alozie, SAN
- Chief C.O.C. Akaolisa (then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo State)
- Paul Obinatu
- Jennifer Uju Nwosu (Secretary of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission)
These individuals, all members of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission (JSC), participated in the controversial meeting that recommended Justice Nzeukwu for appointment as Acting Chief Judge—despite clear constitutional guidelines and NJC precedent on succession based strictly on seniority.
“How can the NJC recommend the Benue Attorney-General to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for similar actions, and not do the same in Imo?” asked a contributor who spoke to bibncollar.com on conditions of anonymity.
“The law must apply across board. The NJC has drawn a red line and those who advised, orchestrated, or enabled this illegality must answer for it.”
The NJC’s recent action against the Attorney-General of Benue State, who was reported to the LPDC for instigating the removal of the Chief Judge of Benue, has been widely interpreted as a zero-tolerance stance against executive interference in judicial appointments.
Legal observers are now insisting that what’s sauce for the goose must be sauce for the gander.
“These are not passive observers; they were senior lawyers—some with the rank of SAN—who actively sat in a meeting to desecrate the Constitution. That amounts to professional misconduct,” argued another constitutional and human rights lawyer.
Meanwhile, the NJC has spared the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Imo, Hon. Justice V.U. Okorie, who had also chaired the JSC meeting. Reports confirm that while he was queried, he was eventually absolved of wrongdoing for having formally dissented from the Commission’s decision.
“Justice Okorie’s absolution is understandable because he resisted the illegality,” said another source within the Imo Bar. “But what about those who endorsed it? Their silence and signatures enabled this constitutional defilement.”
The legal community is now closely watching to see whether the NJC will extend its disciplinary reach to include those lawyers who served on the JSC and allegedly aided and abetted the unconstitutional process.
“The Judiciary cannot reclaim public trust if senior lawyers who participate in judicial sabotage walk away untouched,” another lawyer added. “There must be consequences beyond optics.”
For now, the NJC’s firm action against Justice Nzeukwu has set a precedent. Whether it will be a turning point in the war against judicial politicization or a selective strike remains to be seen.
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