The Imo State House of Assembly has called on Governor Hope Uzodinma to remove Justice Theresa Ebere Chukwuemeka Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, from office. This request follows an investigation by an ad hoc committee, which found her guilty of falsifying her age.
The Assembly members voted overwhelmingly in favor of the committee’s recommendation to dismiss Justice Chikeka for misconduct, in line with Section 292 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. The House also resolved to forward its decision to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for further action.
The investigation stemmed from a petition titled “Petition Against The Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka Chikeka For Age Falsification.” The petition highlighted that many judges and justices have faced severe consequences for similar offenses.
The ad hoc committee, composed of four members, conducted a thorough investigation, including interviews and document reviews. Their findings revealed that Justice Chikeka altered her date of birth from October 27, 1956, to October 27, 1958. This act was deemed serious misconduct and unbecoming of a public officeholder.
In its resolution, the House stated: “Following the recommendation of the Committee and in keeping with the provisions of Section 292 (a)(11) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which lists misconduct as one of the grounds on which a Governor, supported by a two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, can remove the Chief Judge of a state, the Imo State House of Assembly has authorized the Governor to remove Hon. Justice Theresa Ebere Chukwuemeka-Chikeka from office as Chief Judge of Imo State.”
Despite being invited, Justice Chikeka did not appear before the committee. The committee ensured a transparent process by involving the petitioners, Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP), represented by Ndubuisi Onyemaechi, and other relevant bodies such as the Imo State Head of Service, the Secretary of the Imo State Judicial Council, and the Director of Administration of the Nigerian Law School.
These bodies provided written responses confirming the date of birth discrepancy. Based on these findings, the committee concluded that Justice Chikeka’s actions amounted to gross misconduct, warranting her removal from office.
Age falsification is a serious offense that has led to the dismissal of several judges and public officials in Imo State and globally. The Imo State House of Assembly’s decision underscores its commitment to upholding integrity and accountability within the judiciary.
