A Federal High Court in Umuahia has ruled that the Abia State Government cannot appoint new judges for now. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by two female lawyers, Uzoamaka Ikonne and Victoria Nwokeukwu, who were shortlisted for judicial positions in 2022 but had their appointments delayed.

In 2022, the Abia State Judicial Service Commission selected candidates for judge positions. These candidates were interviewed by the National Judicial Council and passed security checks. However, before they could be officially appointed, some individuals filed a lawsuit, which put the process on hold.

At that time, Okezie Ikpeazu was the governor, but he left office on May 29, 2023. The new governor, Alex Otti, decided to cancel the 2022 selection process and start a fresh one. This move upset the shortlisted candidates, leading Ikonne and Nwokeukwu to take legal action.

The lawyers asked the court to stop the government from appointing new judges until their case was fully heard. They also requested that the previous selection process be respected.

After reviewing the case, Justice S. B. Onu ruled that all parties must maintain the current situation until the court makes a final decision. The plaintiffs were also required to give an undertaking to cover any damages if the court later finds the order unnecessary.

For now, the Abia State Government cannot proceed with its new judge appointment process. The court will continue to hear the case to determine if the 2022 shortlisted candidates should be appointed or if the government can restart the process.