Governor Otu Calls for Judicial Integrity, Promises Stronger Executive–Judiciary Partnership as Cross River Opens 2024/2025 Legal Year
Governor Otu Calls for Judicial Integrity, Promises Stronger Executive–Judiciary Partnership as Cross River Opens 2024/2025 Legal Year
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News | Credit: CrossRiverBlog
Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has congratulated the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, and the entire legal profession on the official opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, urging judicial officers to emulate the wisdom, impartiality, and justice of the Almighty God as they discharge their duties.
Speaking at a special thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, the Governor—represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey—assured the judiciary of the executive arm’s unwavering commitment to fostering a close and collaborative relationship for the effective delivery of justice in the state.
Governor Otu Reaffirms Commitment to Justice Delivery
Governor Otu noted that the judiciary remains the “last hope of the common man,” stressing that his administration would continue to prioritise the needs of judicial officers to ensure justice is dispensed effectively, fairly, and without delay.
“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,” the Governor said. “Our administration is committed to providing the needed enabling environment, work tools, and security for smooth justice delivery in Cross River State.”
He highlighted the government’s achievements in strengthening the justice system, citing the establishment of the Small Claims Court in Calabar as a major step toward accessible and speedy justice delivery. Plans, he revealed, are underway to replicate this initiative across other parts of the state to reduce the burden on conventional courts.
Call for Impartiality and Integrity
Governor Otu encouraged judicial officers to see themselves as ministers in the temple of justice whose actions shape the destiny of the state. He called for renewed dedication to impartiality, independence, and integrity in handling cases, noting that the judiciary plays a crucial role in sustaining democracy, peace, and good governance.
“Your work as judges and legal practitioners goes beyond the courtroom,” the Governor emphasised. “You hold in your hands the power to protect rights, uphold justice, and ensure fairness for every citizen. I urge you to approach this legal year with renewed vigour and unshaken commitment to justice for all.”
Clergy’s Spiritual Charge to the Judiciary
Delivering the sermon, Chaplain of the Unical Chapel of Redemption, Rev. Dr. Joseph Ushie, drew lessons from II Samuel 23:3–4, reminding judicial officers that God is the ultimate judge whose justice surpasses human reasoning.
He warned that judicial decisions often have long-lasting consequences that affect generations yet unborn, urging legal professionals to act with honour, conscience, and a sense of divine accountability.
Chief Judge’s Remarks: Justice as a Sacred Duty
In her address, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, underscored the sacred responsibility entrusted to judges, describing their role as one of divine representation on earth.
“By virtue of our calling, we deliver judgments on behalf of God,” she declared. “The weight of our decisions cannot be taken lightly as they sometimes determine matters of life and death. We must therefore approach our duties with reverence, wisdom, and fear of God.”
Milestone Event for the Legal Community
Prof. Paul Ajah, Chairman of the Unical Chapel of Redemption Council, described the opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year as a milestone that transcends the legal profession. He called on lawyers and judges to harness technology and innovation to meet modern legal challenges and serve the public more effectively.
The event drew dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; and traditional rulers who collectively pledged support for a stronger, fairer, and more technologically advanced justice system.
Looking Ahead
With the legal year officially opened, stakeholders expressed optimism that the judiciary, supported by the executive, would embrace reforms, technology, and renewed dedication to justice delivery, thereby strengthening the rule of law in Cross River State.
The collaborative tone struck at the event signalled the administration’s readiness to transform the state’s judicial system into a model of efficiency, fairness, and accountability.
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