By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has committed to addressing the myriad of challenges confronting the State’s Judiciary to improve the dispensation of justice.
Governor Otu disclosed this on Monday 18 September 2023 at Saint Bernard Catholic Church, Marian Hill, Calabar to mark the official opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year in the State.
Otu who was represented by his Deputy, Honorable Peter Odey, said the event was a veritable platform to reflect on the current system of justice delivery in the State, and for legal practitioners to rededicate themselves to the ideals of the profession to boost public confidence in the system.
He advised them to be conscious of the challenges posed by technology in the profession and also urged them to embrace such technological advancement in revolutionizing the practice of the profession.
The Governor further appealed to the practitioners to ensure that justice was not only available to those who could afford it but also to all and sundry, regardless of their social or economic status in the society.
Earlier, the State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, said it was traditional for the judiciary to begin the legal year by dedicating the year to God, knowing that as they discharge their responsibilities as judges, they will one day be judged by God.
