How Uzodimma Saved Imo Judges From Shame

By Charles Igbo

The move to save Judges of the Imo State Judiciary from shame began with the immediate past Government of the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Until him, Imo Judges were the butt of jokes of their colleagues from other states. They were known for their old second-hand cars, popular as Tokumbo cars. Those were the brand of cars given to them by former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Second hand Highlanders; bought, panel-beaten and repainted within the premises of the Government House, Owerri, sources who should know told this magazine.

And they are ashamed of the vehicles, and mortally embarrassed each time they needed to be at a conference with their colleagues. Security men often embarrassed them at the venues of Judges Conferences

When Judges from other states pull up in their brand new SUVs – prado and the lot- Imo Judges arrive in hired buses.

On more than one occasion, security personnel refused to allow their buses into the conference venue. “Only Judges are allowed into the venue”, they were told. With head bowed, they informed them; “We are Judges.” On some other occasions, they had to tarry a while for their colleagues to   leave before boarding their buses.

When Ihedioha swore in new Judges during his tenure, he surprised them with new cars, befitting cars, fit for the office they hold, befitting their status. The older Judges applauded, but wished, and prayed that one day, they would also be gifted with good cars, cars that wouldn’t break down, cars they would be proud of, good cars like their colleagues.

Ihedioha promised, and was planning to do so when the Supreme Court stole the thunder from everything and everybody.

So, enters Governor Hope Uzodinma, and the prayers continued. And the hope.

On Wednesday, May 13th, both were fulfilled.  The Judges, led by the Acting Chief Judge of the state, The Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua had gone on a courtesy call on the Governor, to discuss with him how to move the Judiciary in the state forward. The problems. The solutions.

After listening to them, the Governor gifted them with cars, their  official cars. In a statement announcing the presentation of the cars to the Judges, the Governor’s  Chief Press Secretary/ Media Adviser, Oguwuike Nwachuku, said they were presented with 20 pieces of brand new SUV’s.

He said: “The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday presented vehicle gifts to Judges in Imo State and stressed the need for the judicial arm of government to join forces with the other arms, the Executive and Legislature, to move the State forward.

“The Governor, who stated this during a courtesy visit by Judges, said that the dividends of democracy can only be delivered to people when all the arms of government close ranks and work as a team.

“While expressing his zeal to work with the Judges, Governor Uzodimma presented vehicle gifts of 20 brand new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the serving Judges as a way of motivating them to work. He noted that Imo State Judges have not been treated well by past administrations and pledged to change the narrative.

“The Governor who did not only stop at presenting vehicles to the Judges, also offered to take care of the outstanding entitlements of the retired Judges and ensure that other retiring ones get their entitlements a month or two after retirement, a record which has not happened in the history of Imo State.

“Governor Uzodimma spoke about job security and dignity for the serving Judges, adding that a good operational environment for them would be paramount in his administration.

“Governor Uzodimma harped on the need for love to prevail among the judicial officers, hatred and acrimony must be avoided. He stated that love plays important role and contributes to strengthening the economy and fostering synergy among workers.

“The Governor stated that he is committed to introducing modern techniques to quicken justice dispensation and urged the Judges to key into the administration and do their work without fear or favour.

Speaking earlier on the reason for the visit, the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Ijeoma Agugua said they came to parley with the Executive represented by the Governor on how best to ensure harmonious working relationship between the three arms government.

“She commended the Governor for making the Judiciary come alive again in the discharge of their duties as people entrusted with dispensing justice for the common man”