The Ebonyi State Government has sworn in the Chief Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patrick Uhuo and six other new Judges into the State Judiciary. Also sworn in are the new Management of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki and Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, with Professor Chigozie Ogbu as Vice-Chancellor and Professor Benedict Mbam as Provost respectively.
Governor David Nweze Umahi performed the swearing-in ceremonies at the Executive Council Chambers, Ochoudo Centenary City, Monday. Addressing the new Judges, Governor Umahi congratulated them for making the list after rigorous processes and charged them to go about their duties with the fear of God. “First is to congratulate very highly the newly sworn-in Chief Judge of the Customary Court of Appeal. You have proven to be a very good man and I have no doubt in my doubt that you will continue on this path. “To the new Judges, I want to remark that this goes with commitment, so we commend you to God Almighty and congratulate each and every one of you.”
Earlier, the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke said the swearing-in of the Chief Judge Customary Court of Appeal and the six Judges of the High Court followed vacancy by retirement and death. In an acceptance Speech, the Chief Judge, of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patrick Uhuo thanked the Governor for finding them worthy to serve in their capacities and pledged to discharge their duties with the fear of God.
The Governor also received two Babies: David Ugochukwu and Rachel Nweze who are the first and second Babies born in David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Uburu since its inception. The Governor prayed to God to bless their paths while growing up. “It is like harvesting the seed that we have jointly planted, we have a donation that we think should be able to take them through Primary and Secondary School.” The Governor in Exco also received a report from the Commission of Enquiry into the Ekoli /Amoso Edda Crises.
The Chairman of the Commission, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji said the Commission among other things recommended the reprimand of principal actors in the crises to avoid reoccurrence. Responding, Governor Umahi thanked the commission for a thorough job. He directed relevant Agencies to compile all data of Ebubeagu personnel so far killed in the State for necessary action. “We have so many killings of Ebubeagu, these are our brothers and sisters and they are being killed.
“One of the Gubernatorial Aspirants has boasted that he has entered into an agreement with a Judge and that this week Ebubeagu will be disbanded and the man who claims to have knowledge fails to know that Ebubeagu is the creation of the House of Assembly and so Ebubeagu has come to stay. “I have never sent Ebubeagu after anybody, I have always said that if any Ebubeagu personnel infringes on the right of anybody he should be prosecuted. Five of them are already being prosecuted. These people are not angels but their good side is greater than their bad. “The Attorney General and Ebonyians should keep an eye on those instigating the killings of Ebubeagu People.”
The Governor while announcing the setting up of a Review Committee to study the recommendations of the Commission for necessary implementation said the Exco-in-session has approved financial assistance to the APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Emegha to enable him to rebuild his houses gutted by fire during the crises in Ekoli Edda. The Governor also at the event received Master Chidiebere Nwigboji who emerged as the third Best Student in Nigeria at the 774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award recently as well as the three best-performed Students of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu.
Chooks Oko, Special Assistant to the Governor (Media and Strategy), February 13, 2023.
