By Jennifer John
Imo State government has adduced reasons the judgement of the Federal High Court ordering the reinstatement of the elected local government council chairmen of Rochas Okorocha era cannot be implemented.
The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Chief C.O.C Akaolisa said besides appealing the judgment, the suit was instituted against interim management committee (IMC) Chairmen appointed by former governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
Akaolisa stated that IMC Chairmen appointed by Ihedioha who were sued in their personal and individual capacities had since been dissolved by the present administration.
He insisted that the judgement could not hold water against the current Chairmen appointed by Governor Hope Uzodimma since they were neither sued nor joined in the suit.
Akaolisa recalled that the issue of local government Chairmen in the state was a long issue which started since 2011 when Okorocha sacked duly elected LGA Chairmen who went as far as the Supreme Court where the matter is still pending.
He listed other reasons to include the federal high court lacking jurisdiction to hear the suit, being a matter that concerns the local government.
He informed that there are three suits pending at the state High Court challenging the legality of the election and alleging that the election was conducted in violation of the electoral guidelines and provisions of the state and country.
Akaolisa said the state government was solidly behind the present Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua to take over the position in the substantive capacity, being the most senior judge in the state and the most qualified.
He accused those opposed to her confirmation as fighting for their selfish interest.
Akaolisa said “The government position is that we are supporting the present Acting Chief Judge to take over as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
“She is the most senior Judge in the state and the norm in the Judicial system is that the most senior Judge takes over as the Chief Judge.
“Some people for selfish reasons want to distort the order, the way they did in 2014 when she was also the most senior Judge but they denied her the position and then Governor, Rochas Okorocha appointed Justice Paschal Nnadi, the Chief Judge.
“Nobody can fault the Chief Judge, She is one of the most enterprising and hard-working Judges in the state who has paid her dues.
“We as a government has said no and all sections of the Bar in Imo has said there is a need to return to the proper way of doing things”.
Akaolisa assured that the present administration was poised to maintain and implement the rule of law, adding that it was, for this reason, it reversed all abnormalities of the past and ensured that things were done in the state following due process.
