The Imo State House of Assembly has voted in favour of recommendations of its Adhoc Committee urging Governor Hope Uzodimma to sack the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Theresa Chikeka over alleged age falsification.
The House adopted the Committee's recommendation and agreed that it is forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for further necessary action.
The House had set up a four-man adhoc committee for proper investigations and detailed report, following a petition brought before it.
The petition entitled, " 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).
In pursuant to section 292 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the petition was referred to an adhoc committee.
The committee in carrying out its assignment, invited relevant persons and institutions who made oral and documentary submissions which formed its recommendations.
Justice Chikeka refused to honour the committee's invitation.
The investigating committee invited the Petitioners, Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) which put up appearance through its director of investigations, Ndubuisi Onyemaechi and owned up the petition.
The State Head of Serrvice, 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.
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.
Submissions by all persons and institutions invited indicated that the Chief Judge, actually adjusted her date of birth from October 27, 1958 October to October 27, 1966, an action that amounted to misconduct.
