Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Tuesday swore in Raymond Ozoemena as the substantive chief judge of Enugu after serving in an acting capacity for three months.

Mr Ozoemena’s appointment on acting capacity was sequel to the retirement of the former chief judge Priscilla Emehelu at the age of 65.

Swearing in the new judge at the Government House, Mr Ugwuanyi said it was sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

The governor described the exercise as “God’s will, made manifest at God’s own time.”

He expressed confidence that Mr Ozoemena would bring juristic erudition, diverse experience and integrity to bear on the administration of the Enugu judiciary.

“I wish you well and pray God to grant you stellar career as the chief judge of Enugu state,” Mr Ugwuanyi added.

Responding, the new chief judge thanked the governor for his consistency in ensuring that he was sworn in as an acting chief judge two consecutive times and then the substantive chief judge.

Mr Ozoemena promised the governor of his cooperation and support of the judiciary under his watch.

He pledged to maintain the tempo of peace and the harmonious relationship between the executive and the judiciary in the state.

(NAN)