By Ushang Ewa
Government House sources have disclosed to CrossRiverWatch that Governor Ben Ayade hastily swore-in Justice Eyo Effiom Ita to prevent residents and legal practitioners from protesting.
The State had been without a Chief Judge for 46 days and following an announcement that residents and legal practitioners will protest, Mr. Ayade had announced that he is relying on Section 271 (4) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered) to swear-in a new acting Chief Judge.
But, the protests went ahead with those marching calling for a substantive Chief Judge.
However, Mr. Ayade arrived the office before 8:00AM and within 20 minutes, swore-in Justice Eyo Ita in Court 3. He immediately departed the office with his location currently undisclosed.
Justice Ita becomes the third acting Chief Judge in less than 14 months and will make him the third acting CJ in one year.
Meanwhile, Governor Ayade called for the setting up of a Judicial panel of inquiry to investigate police brutality.
He directed Justice Ita to set up a commission of enquiry to investigate all the people who have suffered police brutality.
“Let us also work with you, particularly on the directive of the Governor’s Forum meeting and the NEC meeting, where governors have been given the responsibility to take charge of a peaceful end to the ENDSARS protest.
“I am happy the Commissioner of Police is here in person. You have to work with us to see that those whose loved ones were killed, maimed or injured in the cause of their struggle for survival get justice,” he said.
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