A Federal High Court in Umuahia has issued an order preventing the Abia State Government and its agents from initiating a new process for the appointment of judges in the state.
The ruling came after two applicants challenged the state government’s attempt to restart the selection process for appointing 10 new judges.
In 2022, the Abia State Judicial Service Commission had shortlisted candidates for judicial appointments.
These candidates participated in an interview on October 17, 2022, conducted by the National Judicial Council. They were also screened by the Department of State Security (DSS) and were awaiting formal appointments when a lawsuit was filed to halt the process.
The State Government abandoned the 2022 selection process and launched a new one, causing frustration among those shortlisted in 2022.
Uzoamaka Uche Ikonne and Victoria Okey Nwokeukwu, representing themselves and the other 2022 candidates, took the Abia State Judicial Service Commission, the state’s Chief Judge, the Attorney General, and eight other individuals to court.
The plaintiffs requested an interim order to maintain the status quo until the court resolves the motion for an interlocutory injunction. They also asked the court to issue any further orders it deemed necessary.
After reviewing the affidavit supporting the motion, Justice S.B. Onu of the Federal High Court ordered all parties to preserve the situation as it was prior to the new appointment process, pending the court’s final decision on the motion. The plaintiffs were also required to provide an undertaking for damages if the court finds the order was improperly issued.
