Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano yesterday swore in Hon. Justice Onochie Manasseh Anyachebelu as the substantive Chief Judge of Anambra state at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka.
While performing the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Obiano said he was impressed with the conduct of Justice Anyachebelu in the few months that he was the Acting Chief Judge of the state.
“In his acting capacity, Justice Anyachebelu gave an insight into what his leadership of the bar and bench would be and while he was yet the acting Chief Judge, Anambra got a Division of the Appeal Court. I believe he will take the judiciary in Anambra state to lofty heights”, Obiano said.
He charged the Chief Judge to discharge his duties honorably. He asked particularly for fairness in the dispensation of Justice to Ndi Anambra and called for the decongestion of correctional facilities in the state.
In his address, the newly sworn-in Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Anyachebelu thanked the Governor for supporting the judiciary. He lauded governor Obiano for maintaining a cordial and harmonious relationship among the arms of government in the state.
Justice Anyachebelu said he was happy and privileged to be so honoured and trusted. He pledged to abide by the oath he swore and to cooperate with other arms of government, the bar and bench in the state and the Police, to ensure that the judiciary is firmly positioned to provide fair and equitable justice to Ndi Anambra.
He expressed gratitude to the NJC, the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Governor and Ndi Anambra for giving him the opportunity to serve his state.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Hon. Uju Nwogu commended governor Obiano for building and attracting strong institutions to the state.
She observed that the Governor swore in Hon. Justice Ijem Onwuamaegbu (rtd.) as the first female Chief Judge of the state and has been consistent in supporting the judiciary at all levels.
Nwogu thanked governor Obiano for facilitating the approval and domiciliation of a Division of the Court of Appeal in the state. She expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for paying the arrears of salaries and entitlements owed to retired judges by previous administrations and for building befitting quarters for judges in the state.
She eulogized Justice Anyachebelu and wished him success in his new office.
Justice Anyachebelu had been acting as the Chief Judge of the state since September 4, 2019 until his screening and confirmation by the Anambra State House of Assembly recently.
He was born on May 24, I961 and hails from Oraukwu in Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra state.
Credit: Ikenna Aniagbaoso.
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