Amidst controversy over who becomes the Chief Judge of Cross
River State, the Governor Prof Ben Ayade has sworn in Justice Maurice Eneji as
the acting Chief Judge.
Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme was rejected by the State House
of Assembly because she is not an indigene of the state and also over
allegations that she was Governor Ayade’s candidate but supported Justice
Eneji.
Justice Ikpeme was appointed as acting Chief Judge by
National Judicial Commission (NJC)
Her name was sent to the Governor for recommendation and
also to the House for confirmation but the House rejected her.
However, Governor Ben Ayade on Tuesday at the state
executive council chamber swore in Justice Maurice Eneji as the acting Chief
Judge of the state.
In a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to
the Governor, Mr Christian Ita , the appointment followed the non-confirmation of Justice Ikpeme,
“This follows the non-confirmation, Monday, of Justice Akon
Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of the state by the Cross River State
House of Assembly.
“Ayade said the swearing-in of Justice Eneji was imperative
as law and nature abhors a vacuum. He congratulated the acting Chief Judge on
his appointment and urged him to dispense justice without fear or favour.
“I urge you to dispense justice without fear or favour; you
have to have fairness of mind. The law is blind and should not be sensitive to
religion, ethnicity, colour or any other affiliation.
“We ask that the leadership of the judiciary under your
watch be very exemplary, such that every other state would like to emulate. We
know your background and believe that you are competent and capable and worthy
of this office,” he said.
The governor used the occasion to clear any doubts as to how
receptive the state is to everyone, irrespective of where they come from.
“Cross River State is known for fairness, equity and what is
fair. We are opposed to anything that is repugnant to natural justice. Our people
are not known for bias and prejudices.”
He said as a governor, he has taken several decisions in the
past to ensure equity and fairness in the distribution of government positions
so as to have a balanced representation across the senatorial zones in the
state.
The governor gave instances where he insisted the position
of the Provost of the College of Education, Akamkpa be given to a southern
candidate even when a candidate from the North had the highest scores.
He said he similarly overlooked a northerner in the choice
of Head of Service when he assumed office, preferring a southerner instead just
to avoid having a lop-sided government with key officials coming from a
particular zone.
According to Ayade, “Currently, I have over 20 non-Cross
Riverians holding various appointments in my government. Some of the appointees
are from far flung states like Kano, Imo, Edo to as close as Akwa Ibom state,
which has a commissioner in my cabinet. I am not known or given to sectionalism
or tribalism. I believe in equity.”
In a vote of thanks, the new acting Chief Judge pledged to
enthrone a number of reforms that will aide justice delivery in the state. He
also promised to be a listening acting Chief Judge.
According to him, “My appointment came to me as a beautiful
surprise. I am coming to the office with a mind to listen. The sacred duty of a
judge is to listen before adjudicating. I will listen at all times to ensure
that justice is served at all times.”
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