Abia lawmakers to recommend removal of suspended chief judge

Abia State House of Assembly yesterday moved to recommend the removal of suspended Chief Judge, Theresa Uzokwe.

The lawmakers took the decision after considering the ad hoc committee’s report, which investigated the allegations leveled against her.

Uzokwe’s suspension followed a petition brought to the House by the Global Centre for Peace & Justice.

In its report, the committee headed by Chidiebere Nkoro, said it found Justice Uzokwe guilty of some of the allegations.

The suspended chief judge did not however appear before the committee, even though she was allegedly invited to defend herself.

Also yesterday, the House summoned the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Umeh Kalu (SAN) to appear before its Public Petitions Committee.

He is expected to explain his role in the recommendation and subsequent swearing in of Justice Obisiki Oji by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The lawmakers faulted the process, which failed to notify the National Judicial Council (NJC) after Uzokwe had been suspended.

No specific date has been fixed for the attorney general to appear before the House.