Front Row: State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme (6th L), Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey (7th L) and others at the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year.
By Anietie Akpan
As the 2024/2025 legal year opens, the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has urged Judges in the state to reflect God’s virtues in dispensing justice.
While congratulating the Chief Judge of the State and members of the legal profession on the commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, Otu emphasized the importance of judges aspiring to mirror the wisdom and justice of the Almighty God, the ultimate arbiter.
Addressing attendees at a special thanksgiving service hosted at the Unical Chapel of Redemption on Monday, the Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Nsa Gill, affirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a strong partnership between the executive and judiciary branches of government.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor said, “as we embark on this new legal year, I want to reassure you that the executive arm of government will continue to work closely with the judiciary to uphold its role as the beacon of hope for the common man. Our administration is dedicated to creating a conducive environment, providing necessary resources, and ensuring security for the seamless dispensation of justice in Cross River State.
“We have championed the establishment of the Small Claims Court in Calabar, with plans to expand its reach across the state. Additionally, we have demonstrated our unwavering support for the judiciary by prioritizing the needs of judicial officers.
“I urge all judicial officers and legal practitioners to approach this new year with renewed dedication, recognizing their vital role as custodians of justice. Your contributions shape the destiny of our state and its people. Therefore, I implore you to fortify your commitment to impartiality and independence in the year ahead.”
In a sermon, the Chaplain of Unical Chapel of Redemption, Rev. Joseph Ushie, drew inspiration from 2 Samuel 23:3-4, urging legal professionals to conduct themselves with integrity, emphasizing that God, as the ultimate judge, administers true justice.
He cautioned judges on the profound impact of their decisions, which can reverberate through generations.
In her address, the State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, called on judges to discharge their duty of dispensing justice with reverence for God and in accordance with the laws of the land.
She underscored that, by virtue of their calling, “they act as conduits for divine justice, with their rulings holding the power to decide matters of life and death”.
On his part, the Chairman of the Unical Chapel of Redemption Council, Prof. Paul Ajah hailed the commencement of the 2024/2025 Legal Year for the Cross River State judiciary as a significant milestone, not just for the legal fraternity but for all advocates of justice, integrity, and public service in the state.
He encouraged legal practitioners to contemplate the challenges ahead and embrace technological advancements and innovative approaches to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape, thereby enhancing their service to the community.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, alongside members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials, and traditional leaders, graced the event.