Justice Delivery: Cross River Governor Pledges Judiciary Collaboration

By Eme Offiong, Calabar 

As judicial officers mark the 2024/2025 new legal year in Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, the state governor, Bassey Otu, has pledged to continue to synergise with the judiciary for speedy dispensation of justice.

Governor Otu, represented by the deputy governor, Dr. Peter Odey, at a special thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Redemption in the University of Calabar, congratulated the Cross River State Chief Judge and other judicial officers on the official opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year.

The governor, who harped on the need for judges to emulate the Almighty God as the ultimate judge in wisdom and justice, said that his administration would ensure robust collaboration between the executive and judiciary.

“As we embark on this new legal year, I want to assure you that the executive arm of government will continue to collaborate closely with the judiciary to ensure it remains the hope of the common man. Our administration is committed to providing the needed enabling environment, work tools and security for smooth justice delivery in Cross River State. 

“This administration has supported the establishment of the Small Claims Court, which now operates in Calabar with the hope of replicating same in other parts of the state. We have also demonstrated our commitment to the judiciary by ensuring that the needs of judicial officers are treated as priority,” he disclosed.

The governor encouraged all judicial officers and members of the legal profession to approach the new year with renewed vigour while reminding them that they were ministers in the temple of justice.

“Your work shapes the destiny of our state and our people. Therefore, I urge you to strengthen your commitment to impartiality and independence in the coming year,” he urged.

Also Read: Cross River State targets 5,000 Women for empowerment project

The State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, advised judges to live up to their responsibility of dispensing justice with reverence for God and according to the laws of the federation.

During his sermon, the Chaplain, Dr. Joseph Ushie, who took his text from 2nd Samuel chapter 23 verses 3 and 4, charged members of the judiciary to conduct themselves honourably and in tandem with the almighty as the supreme judge.

Ushie reminder the judicial officers that the decisions made by leaders have far-reaching consequences, which often affects even the generations unborn.

In the same vein, the chairman of the Chapel of Redemption council, Professor Paul Ajah, described the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year for the Cross River State judiciary as a significant milestone, noting “this is a significant milestone for the legal community and everyone, who upholds the values of justice, integrity, and service in the state.”

He advised legal practitioners to reflect on the challenges ahead and harness technology and innovation to tackle the complexities of the law, thereby serving their communities with greater effectiveness.

Present at the service was the Secretary to the State Government, Profesdor Anthony Owan-Enoh along with members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, and traditional rulers.