The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has amended the state High Court Law to double the number of judges from 25 to 50 and extend their retirement age from 65 to 70 years.
The Speaker, Moses Odunwa, disclosed this during Tuesday’s plenary in Abakaliki, saying the amendment was adopted by the House Committee of the Whole and took effect from Oct. 5, 2026.
Odunwa said the amendment was necessary to strengthen the judiciary and facilitate faster dispensation of justice in the state.
“The state governor’s proposal for an 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 also commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru for making the lawmakers’ two-month recess worthwhile, saying it provided them with an opportunity to reconnect with their constituents.
The Chief Whip, Nkemka Okoro-Onuma, said the amendment would help reduce the workload on High Court judges and improve the administration of justice.
Similarly, Alloysius Nwodo (APC–Ebonyi North-West) said the new law would enhance judicial service delivery and create employment opportunities in the justice sector.
The House also approved the engagement of financial consultants to identify, reconcile, recover and facilitate the refund of funds due to the Ebonyi State Government.
Odunwa said the consultants would assess infrastructure fund allocations received from the Federal Government and pursue outstanding revenue refunds, grants and statutory revenues from various federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies. He said MSCA World Projects Limited would serve 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 Assembly also screened and confirmed four nominees submitted by Gov. Nwifuru for membership of the Ebonyi State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission. The nominees comprise three returning members and one new member.
