Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has sworn in Justice Theresa Chikeka as the state’s acting Chief Judge (CJ) to replace Justice Ijeoma Agugua.

In a ceremony at the new Executive Council Chambers, Douglas House, Owerri, the governor urged her to work hard to inspire and unite the bar and bench.

Uzodimma said: “It (inauguration) does not, in any way, signal demotion or undue elevation of any member of the bench; it is part of the continuing commitment to the procedural process in the appointment of a substantive CJ of Imo. Members of the bench and bar are all aware of these processes.

“Your appointment is a solemn call to duty. It is a call to an exemplary leadership that will inspire and unite the bar and bench.”

He charged members of the bar and bench to see the appointment of Chikeka as a necessary step towards strengthening the Imo judiciary.