The hitherto acting Chief Judge (CJ) of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, has been sworn into office in substantive capacity by the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, at the Government House, Umuahia.
Justice Abai’s, nomination to succeed her predecessor, retired Justice Onuoha Ogwe, was ratified by the National Judicial Council and the State House of Assembly. She thanked Governor Ikpeazu for abiding by the provisions of the Constitution and ensuring that the processes leading to her appointment were without rancour.
She pledged to abide by her oath of office, uplift the judiciary through quick dispensation of justice and work in harmony with the state government for the betterment of the state.
While congratulating her after the oaths of office and allegiance were administered on her by the alternate Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of the State, Mrs. Ugochimdi Ejiogu, Governor Ikpeazu noted her tenacity to rise to the zenith of her judicial career.
He expressed optimism that her tenure would be successful and add greater value to the State judiciary. He recalled that her stint on acting capacity witnessed tremendous positive changes, which he described as a sign of greater things to come and wished her successful tenure.
He, however, challenged her to ensure that the state Judiciary under her watch continues to play it’s role as the last hope of the common man by dispensing justice without fear or favour.
The governor also presented the new CJ with official vehicle.
Her historic inauguration ceremony saw many dignitaries in attendance including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ude Oko Chukwu; her fellow Judges; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uche Ihediwa (SAN); Secretary to Government, Chris Ezem; members of the state Executive Council; retired Justice Ogwe; president of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Okey Nwamuo and his predecessor, Justice Onwuchekwa, among many others.
