By Patrick Obia
The Federal Judicial Service Commission, the States Judicial Service Commission and the Judicial Service Committee of the Federal Capital Territory, have enlisted four in Cross River and 10 other States judicial officers for appointment as judges.
The Federal Judicial Service Commission in a list of successful candidates published in one the national dailies on Thursday, September 18, 2025, noted that the publication is to enhance transparency and accountability in the appointment process of Judicial Officers to Superior Courts of Record.
The Commission said the States Judicial Service Commission and Judicial Service Committee of the Federal Capital Territory, shall always publish the names of all shortlisted candidates for appointment as Judicial Officers in National Newspapers.
The primary objective of the initiative, the Commission says, is to solicit comments from the public regarding the integrity, reputation and suitability of these candidates for Judicial appointments.
For Cross River State, the following candidates have been recommended to the Federal Judicial Service Commission by the Federal High Court for appointment as Judges after going through the computer-based test conducted by the Court.
They are Mercy Toney Ene – Cross River Judiciary, Calabar; Ekeng Bassey Kooffreh – Private Practice, Calabar; Joy Bassey Ikpeme – Ministry of Justice, Calabar, Cross River State and Nkechi Yvonne Usani – Cross River Customary Court of Appeal, Calabar.
Key Guidelines For Public Participation
The Federal Judicial Service Commission is inviting the public to submit comments on the shortlisted candidates based on their integrity, reputation and suitability for Judicial appointment.
The Commission averred that all complaints or comments must be submitted in writing to the office of the Secretary of the Federal Judicial Service Commission or via email within Fourteen (14) days from the date of the publication to: The Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission, Supreme Court Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja. Email Address: thejscsecretariat@gmail.com and phone number 09081113572 ext:5104.
The Commission said each complaint or comment must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit deposed to by the author before a Superior Court of Record in Nigeria or before any Notary Public, warning the public to guard against false and unsubstantial complaints or comments as there will be consequences.
Other guidelines include that each complaint or comment must be precise and supported with sufficient particulars to enable the Federal Judicial Service Commission to determine accordingly.
Below is the full list:
