Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, swore in Honourable Justice Raymond Ozoemena as the substantive Chief Judge of the State.
Ozoemena was first appointed as the acting Chief Judge of the state for three months on two consecutive occasions after the retirement of the former Chief Judge, Justice Priscilla Emehelu, on September 7, 2021.
The governor explained that the decision to swear in Justice Ozoemena as Acting Chief Judge of Enugu State on September 7, 2021 and the renewal of the appointment on December 8, 2021 upon the expiration of the first three months, was based on the order of seniority of the Judges of Enugu High Court as confirmed by the National Judicial Council .
Speaking during the swearing in at the EXCO Chamber of the Government House, Ugwuanyi disclosed that the function was sequel to the recommendation by the National Judicial Council and subsequent confirmation of his appointment by the Enugu State House of Assembly, in fulfillment of the provisions of Section 271 Sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
While congratulating the New CJ, said he swore in Justice Ozoemena after all the conditions precedent for the appointment was dutifully fulfilled.
Ugwuanyi, however, described the exercise as “God’s will, made manifest at God’s own time”.
The governor expressed confidence that the new Chief Judge would bring his experience and knowledge to bear on the administration of the state judiciary.
Ugwuanyi said, “I have no doubt in my mind that you will bring your juristic erudition, diverse experience and integrity to bear on the administration of the Enugu State Judiciary.
“I wish you well and pray to God to grant you a stellar career as the Chief Judge of Enugu State.”
Responding, the new Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Ozoemena, thanked Ugwuanyi for his endurance and consistency in ensuring that he was sworn in as Acting Chief Judge for two consecutive times and thereafter as the substantive Chief Judge of the State.
He therefore promised the governor of the cooperation and support of the State Judiciary under his watch, stressing that they will maintain the tempo of peace and harmonious relationship that exist between the Executive and the Judiciary in the state.
The event was witnessed by the President, Enugu State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice George Nnamani; former Minister of Information and immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon Ortuanya among other dignitaries.