Ebonyi lawmakers increase high court judges number, raise retirement to 70yrs

The Ebonyi State House of Assembly on Tuesday amended the state High Court law to increase the number of judges from 25 to 50.

The Speaker of the House, Moses Odunwa, said during a plenary in Abakaliki that the amended law which takes effect from 5 October, 2026 was adopted at the House’s Committee of the Whole.

Mr Odunwa said the amendment increased the number of the state high court judges from 25 to 50 and extends their years of service from 65 to 70.

“The state governor’s proposal for increase in the number of judges and their years of service is apt.

“This will facilitate speedy dispensation of justice.

“I commend the House members for the accelerated passage of the amendment bill and thank God for good health on resumption from a two-month recess,” he said.

The speaker commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for making the House recess worthwhile as it afforded members, the opportunity to fraternise with their constituents.

The Chief Whip, Nkemka Okoro-Onuma, in his contribution, said the passage of the bill would reduce the workload on the high court judges.

Alloysius Nwodo (APC–Ebonyi North-West) said the new bill would enhance efficient judicial service delivery and create employment opportunities in the justice sector.

The House also approved engaging financial consultants to identify, reconcile, recover, and refund funds due to the state.

Mr Odunwa said the consultants’ task included assessing infrastructure fund allocation from the federal government.

“The financial professionals will have the MSCA World Projects Limited as the Lead Consultant.

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“They will aid the swift recovery of outstanding revenue refunds, grants and statutory revenues from various federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The recovery will include funds expended on equipping the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, among other infrastructure interventions,” he said.

The House also screened and confirmed four nominees from Governor Nwifuru for the Ebonyi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

The nominees comprise of three returning members and one new member.