By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has sworn in three new High Court Judges in the State – Hon. Justice Ama Edet Ekpo, Hon. Justice Theresa Ansa Agom, and Hon. Justice Jarlath Ogar Agim.
At the swearing-in held at Dan Archibong Lodge, on Monday, January 8, 2024, he charged the Judges to discharge their constitutional duties with all amount of sincerity.
Governor Otu averred that the principle of separation of powers between the three arms of government is purely for checks and balances and not for opposition and friction.
“Meanwhile, as they are sworn in today as members of the full bench at a time when the judiciary nationwide is under unbridled public criticism; a lot of judicial expertise is expected from them.
“While the debate on the veracity or otherwise of the public claims rages on, the undisputed fact remains that the judiciary needs to re-invent itself through self-cleansing procedure. The National Judicial Council of Nigeria, NJCN, should not relent in banging the gavel on erring judicial officers.”
He said the image and perception of the nation’s judiciary have been dented, hence, there is need for the trio to work assiduously to rejuvenate the trust of the masses.
“The three judges sworn in today must therefore live above board to rekindle the faith and trust of the common man in the judiciary.
“The current symbiotic relationship between the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary in the State is therefore worthy of commendation; as it has facilitated the seamless movement of the machinery of government. The resultant effect is the accelerated growth and development of the State. May I therefore sue for more of this cooperation for the good of the State.”
Otu acknowledged the three elevated judges for their hard work which necessitated their elevation.
“The three judges so elevated today are carefully chosen among the legal luminaries in the State Judiciary. They are therefore found to be an embodiment of hard work, sincerity, integrity and with a firm knowledge and understanding of the law.”
He prayed the Judiciary to assist society in decongesting the Correctional Centers through the effective use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) option.
The State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, in her remark, advised the newly elevated judges to discharge their duties with the fear of God and in accordance with the rule of law.
“You are coming into an arena that requires integrity, impartiality, and efficiency. I charge you to give judgment with fairness and according to the Rule of Law.
“As you take your oath this afternoon, don’t just recite it as anything, listen to the wordings of the oath and keep to it.”
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