The Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has presented brand new Ford Edge vehicles to senior Justices, a month after receiving members of the upper bench on a courtesy visit to his office.
Performing the presentation in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, Governor Otu expressed concern that the senior judges endured some level of difficulties over the years and promised to rectify the challenges to make the judiciary more vibrant.
He stated, “A few weeks ago when my Lord, the Chief Judge led a team of upper benchers to my office, the issue of transportation was mentioned to me, alongside a plethora of other problems that are inherent in the judiciary. I am glad and bold to say that the season of sweetness has started with the judiciary at this moment.
“I do so because this is an important arm of government that we should not joke with. In any society where there is no justice, such society cannot move forward and investment cannot thrive where people do not trust the justice system.”
Speaking further, the Governor said, “this particular arm of government is one that my administration will take special interest in because we are bringing investors across the globe to invest in our economy; and for them to have the confidence of investing here, we must demonstrate to them that there is a just and fair society where if rules are breached, punishment follows immediately.
“Once they understand the existence of this equality before the law and that justice can be dispensed without any fear or favour, then you can rest assured that the economy will thrive.”
He also informed them of his plans to embark on a working tour of all the courts within Cross River to comprehensively renovate and upgrade facilities in line with current realities.
Appreciation
The Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme, who decried the hardship judges have had to contend with over time, described Governor Otu as “a perfect gentleman and promise keeper.”
Ikpeme admitted that before now, judges had been using their personal cars for official duties and expressed appreciation to the governor for addressing the transportation challenges they were faced with.
One of the beneficiaries, Justice Edem Koofreh expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the gesture and promised judicious use would be made out of these official vehicles provided by him.
The Speaker of State Assembly Mr. Elvert Ayambem along with Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Enoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ironbar, and the Cross River State Head of Service, Mr. Agbang Akwaji were amongst those who witnessed this ceremony.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
