Imo State government has advised corrupt judicial officers, as well as those the administration called “politicians who masquerade as judicial officers,” to honourably resign or be prepared to face the consequences.

Imo State Governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, read the riot in Owerri while reading an address during the swearing-in of the new Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Paul C. Onumajulu.

“My administration will not condone any corrupt judicial officer, nor will we allow politicians to seat on the bench, masquerading as judicial personnel,” Udenwa said.

Continuing, the Governor said that the emerging political days ahead will be a great test of integrity for the judiciary not only in the state but also in the country, stressing that as politics heat up, many controversial cases will necessarily come before the judiciary.

“I urged you, gentlemen of the bench, to handle such cases with utmost objectivity, fairness and the fear of God. I should add that there will be no room in the bench for any judge who compromises himself politically. Judges should and must remain apolitical,” Udenwa advised.

According to the governor, the survival of the current democratic experience rests largely on the ability of the judiciary to be independent, fair and firm in the discharge of its duties.

“With the constitutional powers to interpret laws and given that democracy is all about the supremacy of the law, the judiciary remains the last bus stop of the polity,” Chief Udenwa said.

It was his opinion that government has always ensured strict adherence to procedural provisions for appointment into the judiciary.

“The appointment of Justice Onumajulu as the new Chief Judge of Imo state, was based absolutely on merit and in accordance with laid down judicial procedure for such appointments. I have no doubt that you will uphold the high expectations of our people on the dispensation and administration of justice in the Imo State judiciary,” Udenwa said.

Replying, Justice Onumajulu commended the National Judicial Council on whose recommendation Chief Udenwa appointed him.

“I must also thank members of Imo State Judicial Commission for overwhelmingly nominating me for the recommendation of the National Judicial council and for the consequent appointment by the Governor, of me as the Chief Judge,” Onumajulu said.

Chidi Nkwopara, Vanguard (Lagos), August 13, 2002