Imo Assembly mandates Uzodinma to sack Chief Judge over alleged age falsification

The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) has voted in favour of the recommendations of the House’s Adhoc Committee charging Governor Hope Uzodinma to sack Theresa Ebere Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Imo State Chief Judge, from office over alleged misconduct of falsification of age, pursuant to section 292 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The legislative house further adopted the committee’s recommendation that the House’s Resolution on the committee’s recommendations be forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for further necessary action.

The Imo State House of Assembly had earlier set up a four-man Adhoc Committee for proper investigation and detailed report, following a petition brought before the House, titled, ‘Petition Against the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka Chikeka for Age Falsification which Is a Grave Criminal Offence and an Act for which Many Other Judges and Justices Have Been Summarily Dismissed and Some are Currently Being Prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).”

The petition was brought by Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP), through Ndubuisi Onyemaechi, its director of investigations.

Consequently, pursuant to section 292 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the House of Assembly referred the petition to an Adhoc Committee with the following as Members; Ikenna Ihezue (chairman), Bernard Ozoemenam (member), Clinton Amadi (member) and Ebonine Benneth (member) with Anne Martins Ezirim as clerk of the committee.

However, the committee in carrying out its assignment, invited relevant persons and institutions who made oral and documentary submissions which enabled the committee make its recommendations that were considered by a committee of the whole house.

Theresa Chikeka, the Chief Judge of the State, refused to honour the committee’s invitation, the Adhoc Committee said.

The investigating committee invited the petitioners, Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) which put up appearance through its director of investigations, Ndubuisi Onyemaechi.

The Head of Service (HoS), Imo State, Secretary Imo State Judicial Council, the director of administration, Nigerian Law School were all contacted by the Adhoc Committee to find out the actual date of birth the Chief Judge filled in her form when she was admitted into the Nigerian Law School, according to the committee.

It also said that the secretary to Council and director of administration at the Nigerian Law School as well as the Head of Service, Imo State sent written responses to the Adhoc Committee.

According to the House, the submissions by all persons and institutions invited, except the Chief Judge, Chikeka, proved that indeed, the Chief Judge, actually adjusted her date of birth from October 27, 1956 to October 27, 1958.

Based on this finding, the four-member Adhoc Committee concluded that Theresa Ebere Chukwuemeka Chikeka’s action amounted to misconduct.

It stated that falsification of age was an act of gross misconduct for which several judges and justices, among other public office holders had been removed from office in Imo State and other parts of the world.