Chinedu Agu, a legal practitioner and former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri Branch, has urged Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to immediately swear in Justice I.O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of the state. Agu described the ongoing delay as a grave breach of constitutional duty and a threat to judicial independence.
In an open letter dated August 1, 2025, Agu—who is also a Solicitor and Notary Public—expressed concern that although the governor had announced Agugua’s appointment eight days earlier, no formal swearing-in had taken place and no official instrument of appointment had been issued.
On July 23, 2025, through a state-run radio broadcast, Governor Uzodimma named Hon. Justice I.O. Agugua—the most senior judge of the Imo State High Court—as Acting Chief Judge. However, the appointment remains incomplete without the required constitutional formalities.
“A judge cannot exercise the powers of Acting Chief Judge without the proper oath of office and instruments of appointment,” Agu wrote. “Anything short of this undermines not only judicial autonomy but also the constitutional integrity of your office.”
Referencing Igbo tradition, Agu highlighted the significance of “izu ukwu”—an eight-day week symbolizing a full cycle of opportunity—and warned that failure to act within this period is traditionally viewed as a deliberate slight.
He questioned the delay: “Why has the appointed Acting Chief Judge not been formally sworn in? Why has no instrument of appointment been issued? Why is the Imo State Judiciary still without a constitutionally recognised head?”
Agu warned that the ongoing leadership vacuum in the judiciary could embolden “forces that thrive in confusion” and stressed that upholding the Constitution is a non-negotiable obligation.
“In jurisdictions where the legislature is committed to its constitutional responsibilities, such persistent and willful violations could result in consequences as serious as impeachment,” he noted, clarifying that this was not a threat but a constitutional fact and civic responsibility.
The lawyer further criticized the executive for neglecting the judiciary—an institution that legitimized its own authority.
He concluded the letter with an Igbo proverb: “Let the eagle perch and let the kite perch too; whoever says the other should not perch, let its wings break”—underscoring the need for the judiciary to occupy its rightful place in governance.
Agu called on Governor Uzodimma to waste no further time in issuing the instrument of appointment and swearing in Justice Agugua, warning that posterity would judge leaders not by their words, but by their deeds.
As of press time, the Imo State Government has not responded to the concerns raised in the letter.
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