*Odinkalu raises eyebrow over appointment of multiple family members of the CJ
In a recent announcement by the Judicial Service Commission of Ebonyi State, a list of successful applicants for the position of Senior Magistrates has been released.
The appointments were made following the commission’s careful consideration of the Report of the Committee on Recruitment/Appointment of Judiciary Staff during their 141th Regular Meeting held on May 15, 2023.
Senior Magistrates have been appointed as the following people:
Senior Magistrates Grade II
Idenyi Darius F. Uche Samuel Onu. Grace I. P. Chima. Nwokoro Christiana E. Nwebonyi Louisa O. Maduabuchi Ogbonna. Grace Chukwu Nwamaka. Obed Ededa Nwugwu. Lilian Adannaya Ngene. Magistrates Grade I
10.Grace Chidinma Oko. 11. Uguru Ezinne Angela. 12. Ijoma Dora Ngene. 13. Ogbonna Igboke Chinenve N. T. 14. Anwu Nancy A.
The successful applicants are instructed to visit the Judicial Service Commission Office, specifically the Administration Department, starting from Tuesday, May 16, 2023, to collect their Appointment Letters and complete the necessary documentation.
Hon. Justice E. A. Ngene, the Chief Judge and Chairman of the Commission, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Senior Magistrates. Laz N. Nwoka, Esq., serves as the Secretary of the Commission.
Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent human rights advocate and former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, has expressed his concerns regarding the recent appointment of 14 new magistrates in Ebonyi State. Taking to Twitter, Odinkalu criticized the Eboni State Judicial Service Commission, which is chaired by Chief Judge EA Ngene, for what he perceives as judicial capture.
In his tweet, Odinkalu pointed out that among the appointees are Lillian Adannaya Ngene and Ijeoma Adaora Ngene. He raised suspicion by stating that one of the appointees is in the bedroom of Chief Judge EA Ngene, implying a potential conflict of interest. The other appointee, according to Odinkalu, is in the bedroom of the Chief Judge’s brother, further questioning the integrity of the appointment process.
In his tweet, Odinkalu pointed out that among the appointees are Lillian Adanna Ngene and Ijeoma Adaora Ngene. He raised suspicion by stating that one of the appointees is in the bedroom of Chief Judge EA Ngene, implying a potential conflict of interest. The other appointee, according to Odinkalu, is in the bedroom of the Chief Judge’s brother, further questioning the integrity of the appointment process.
By using the hashtag #JudicialCapture, Odinkalu suggests that the appointment of magistrates may have been influenced by personal relationships and nepotism, rather than merit and fairness. His tweet highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the judicial system, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of justice and impartiality.
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