The Imo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, July 17, recommended the removal of Chief Judge, Theresa Chikeka, from office.

The chairman of the ad-hoc committee Hon. Ikenna Ihezue, said: “Her actions amount to misconduct, and we cannot allow such behavior to go unchecked.”

The committee’s findings revealed that the Chief Judge adjusted her date of birth from October 27, 1956 to October 27, 1958.

Despite being invited, Ihezue said, Justice Chikeka refused to appear before the committee, which further solidified the case against her.

“Her refusal to cooperate with the investigation only adds to the evidence of her misconduct,” said Rt. Hon. Clinton Amadi, a member of the adhoc committee.

The Imo State House of Assembly has forwarded their recommendations to the National Judicial Council for further action.

“We are confident that the NJC will take appropriate action to address this serious matter,” said Hon. Bernard Ozoemenam, another member of the adhoc committee.

“Falsification of age is a serious matter, and several judges and justices have been removed from office for this very reason,” said Comrade Ndubuisi Onyemaechi, Director of Investigations for the Civil Society Engagement Platform.

Recall that the Imo Assembly had on July 2, suspended four members over an alleged plot to impeach the Speaker, Chike Olemgbe.

The Speaker announced the suspension during plenary.

The suspended lawmakers include Samuel Otuibe (Ahiazu-Mbaise), Henry Agbasonu (Ezinihitte-Mbaise), Chidiebere Ogbunikpa (Okigwe), and Dominic Ezerioha (Oru-West).

The Speaker said the decision to suspend them was taken at the executive session.

Olemgbe also announced that all standing committees headed by the suspended members have been taken away from them. (The Nation)