Hon. Justice Lilian Abai has been sworn in as the substantive Chief Judge of Abia State. She has been serving as Acting Chief Judge for a few months.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House Umuahia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu congratulated her on her new appointment and for the tenacity to rise to the zenith of her judicial career.
He expressed the hope that her tenure will be successful and add greater value to the State judiciary.
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According to the Governor, her stint as the acting Chief Judge of the State witnessed tremendous positive changes which he described a sign of greater things to come and wished her well, chief press secretary to the governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka said in a statement.
The Governor challenged the new CJ to ensure that the Judiciary continues to play its role as the last hope of the common man by dispensing justice without fear nor favor.
The statement added, “In her acceptance speech the new Chief Judge, Honorable Justice Lilian Abai thanked the Governor for abiding by the provisions of the constitution and ensuring that the processes leading to her appointment were without rancor.
“She pledged to abide by her oath of office as well as to work to uplift the judiciary through quick dispensation of justice.
“Justice Abai also pledged to work in harmony with the state government for the betterment of the state.
“The oaths of office and allegiance were administered on the new Chief Judge by the alternate Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General of the State, Barr. Mrs Ugochimdi Ejiogu.
“The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the Secretary to Government Barr. Chris Ezem, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uche Ihediwa, SAN, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Emeka Enwereji, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barrister Olugu Kalu Ugba and other members of the State Executive Council.
“From the Judiciary came the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Honorable Justice Okey Nwamuo, the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Justice Onuoha Kalu Ogwe (Rtd) former Chief Judge of the State, Justice S N Imo (Rtd), former President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Onwuchekwa (Rtd) other serving and retired Judges of the State Judiciary, the Chief Registrars of the State High Court and Customary Court of Appeal, Magistrates, Chairmen of Customary Courts, other members of the State Judiciary, relatives of the new Chief Judge, etc.
“The Governor later presented to the new Chief Judge, keys to her official vehicle.”
