Rivers CJ Bows Out, Soon …AG Plans Cash Award On Justice Admin

The Rivers State Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu is to retire from the state civil service, this year.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon Worgu Boms announced this while speaking at a special court session organised by the state judiciary to mark the beginning of the 2012/2013 legal year in the state, recently.
Hon Boms however, did not give the exact time and date for the commencement of the retirement, but said the 2012/2013 legal year celebration would be the last he would chair.
He commended Justice Iche Ndu for the pragmatic leadership style he bestowed in the administration of the judiciary, adding that his administration had brought both human and infrastructural development in the administration of justice in the state.
He described the state chief judge as a visionary and detribalised leader, adding that the state judiciary and the legal profession would miss him when he finally bows out of  service.
The state commissioner for Justice, while extolling the virtues of Justice Ndu, announced that he would institute N1million cash award in honour of the retiring chief judge for his contribution to the development of Justice administration in the state.
Hon Boms further disclosed that the award would be open for junior lawyers practising in the state who have practised between 1-10 years, adding that the award was aimed at promoting speedy administration in the state.
It would be recalled that Justice Iche Ndu was appointed on November 1,2001 by the Dr Peter Odili-led administration and is the sixth Chief Judge of the state.
In his speech, the state Chief Judge, Justice Iche Ndu, while thanking members of the legal profession for the cooperation given to his administration, said he was pleased to work with staff of the judiciary as well as members of the Nigerian Bar Association, stressing that he was successful because of their numerous assistance to him.
“I am very pleased to welcome you all to this 2012/2013 legal year ceremonies which by the grace of God will be the last legal year of the Rivers State judiciary I will host as the Chief Judge before I bow out “, he said.
The state Chief Judge while recounting some achievements recorded in 2012, noted that he ordered the release of 505 inmates at the federal prisons as part of efforts to decongest the prisons in the state. He advocated the appointment of more judges in the state.