The Benue State Judiciary is mourning the death of a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adam Ochume Onum.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The judiciary announced his passing in an official statement released on Thursday by the Protocol Officer of the High Court of Justice, Makurdi, Jooli Terna David, on behalf of the Chief Judge.
In the statement, the judiciary described his death as a significant loss to the legal profession, the institution and the country at large.
It noted that the late Justice Onum would be remembered for his integrity, extensive knowledge of the law and unwavering commitment to the fair administration of justice.
The judiciary also expressed its sympathy to his family, friends and members of the legal community, urging them to remain strong during the difficult period.
It further disclosed that details of his burial arrangements and a valedictory court session in his honour would be announced at a later date.
The statement concluded with prayers for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and provide his family and loved ones with the strength to bear the loss.
In a related development, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the state’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, on the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge.
The council objected to her omission from the list of nominees submitted by the commission, maintaining that the most senior judge of the state’s High Court should be considered for the position.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, disclosed that the directive was reached during the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3.
The meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
According to the statement, the council also recommended 28 candidates for various judicial appointments and deliberated on several disciplinary matters.
The statement partly read: “Council also directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the most senior Judge of the State High Court, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, in the list of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge of the State.”
The Imo State Judicial Service Commission is legally responsible for initiating the process of appointing judicial officers in the state.
However, the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge in Imo State has remained contentious between the NJC and state authorities since the compulsory retirement of former Chief Judge, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, over alleged age falsification in November 2024.
The NJC’s latest directive further highlights the disagreement surrounding Justice Agugua’s consideration for the position.