Akon Ikpeme, Finally Sworn In As Cross River Chief Judge

'Dotun Akintomide
Writer

Ad

Kebbi Violence: Ex-AGF Malami, APC Lawmakers Exchange Accusations

• Malami: "Thugs imported to destabilise Kebbi State" • Kebbi APC: "You’re lying, Kebbi is Safe." By Abiola Olawale The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State and his allies of plotting to import armed thugs and foreign mercenaries…

Nigeria’s 2030 Ascendancy: A Roadmap to Global Power Through Visionary Leader

By Sonny Iroche Introduction Nigeria, with its 230 million people, the largest population in Africa, and vast natural resources, stands at the threshold of transformative potential. Achieving global power status by 2030 would mean not just economic dominance (e.g., a $1 trillion GDP, up from, $450 billion today) but also military strength, technological leadership, and…

N5.7bn contract: EFCC gets order to detain Sujimoto CEO

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured a court order to detain the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, over alleged N5.7billion unexecuted contract. Ogundele is facing investigation following his alleged failure to deliver 22 Smart Green School projects in Enugu State after his company was reportedly paid…

Ad

From Akanimo Kufre (The New Diplomat’s A/Ibom|C/River Correspondent)

At last, Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, on Monday swore in Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme as the new Chief Judge of the state.

Ikpeme’s inauguration has had a long denial when certain government agents accused her of being an indigene of another, Akwa Ibom, and therefore a security treat if appointed a Chief Judge.

At the swearing in, Monday, Ayade admonished Ikpeme to ensure justice is served to all who come before her.

Gov Ayade acknowledged that Justice Ikpeme’s swearing-in was ordained by God, “as a child of God and a child that God has destined for this office, I believe that God will touch your soul to ensure that no injustice is done to anybody who comes before you to seek justice. Please dispense justice, be fair and know that God fought your battles.”

Ayade, who said he was thankful that the long drawn saga over the appointment of a new chief judge had finally come to an end, noted that stability in the judiciary will be guaranteed with the emergence of a substantive chief judge.

“God has chosen, by His infinite mercy, for Cross River State, not just any person to be the chief judge, but a woman. A woman with great conscience, a woman of God, a leader in the church, and a covenant child. I believe that she will put behind her all the challenges of getting here and to know that God has prevailed.”

Ayade also spoke of his close relationship with Justice Ikpeme,  revealing that “I have had very close relationship with her and it appears to be that she is here at the right time and she is the right person for this job.”

“In spite of the provision for the seperation of powers, as recognized by law, the intent of the seperation of powers was to consolidate the oneness of this tripod and therefore, the legislature cannot serve without the executive neither can the executive serve without the judiciary. And so there must be harmony among these three arms to create the consistency of focus to pursue the prosperity agenda set forth for the state.”

Continuing, the governor said: “As a maritime state bounded by very hostile international communities, the Cameroun and more recently the Amazonian people, it is obvious and clear for us as a state that we have a lot of trans-boundary matters to deal with. We have a lot of internal crisis among the indigenes, the ethnic nationalities that constitute Cross River State. The judiciary therefore, will be bedeviled with so much crisis and tension that we cannot afford a distraction.

“As God touched my heart, so did he touch the heart of everyone saddled with taking the decision in your favour and that had manifested in your swearing in today.”

In her remarks, Justice Ikpeme  promised that the judiciary under her watch will collaborate with the other two arms of government to bring about good governance for the people of Cross River State.

“I want to assure His Excellency, that the judiciary under my watch will cooperate with you, and we will also cooperate with the legislature so that we can move cross River State forward.”

She thanked the governor for enabling history to be created with her swearing in as Chief Judge of the state.

“God uses men to fulfill His purpose on earth, Your Excellency, from the depth of my heart I want to tell you thank you, I thank you for making this day a reality.” She said.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp