By Ameh Ejekwonyilo
National Judicial Council (NJC) has appointed Justice Daisy Okocha as an acting Chief Judge of Rivers state.
The council headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Maryam Alooma Muktar yesterday in Abuja directed Justice Okocha, the most senior judge in the Rivers state Judiciary to assume duties.
Though her name was not specifically mentioned, Justice Daisy Okocha was mandated to begin to assign cases to his brother judges and to also perform other administrative functions.
In a statement issued by the acting Director of Information of NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, on behalf of the council, the most Senior Judge in the Customary Court of Appeal in Rivers was also directed to take up functions at that level.
A Chief Judge, Justice Peter Agumagu, appointed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi was suspended from office by the NJC on the ground that the appointment did not follow due process.
The action of NJC sparked off protests from various pressure groups and eventually led to a legal action at the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the powers of the council.
The NJC statement said: “The National Judicial Council at its 67th meeting which was held on May 27, 2014, deliberated on the current state of affairs in the Rivers state Judiciary and noted with concern non-appointment of a Substantive Chief Judge or Acting Chief Judge for Rivers state and its attendant consequences on the general administration of justice, particularly assignment of cases and other related administrative duties in both the High Court of Justice and Customary Court of Appeal of Rivers state.
“The foregoing Press Release has become imperative to correct the seeming impression that has been created in both the electronic and print media on the decision of the Council.
“Suffice it to say that the Law abhors vacuum. Therefore, where there is a vacuum, the Law must fill it up.”