By Godwin Ajom
Frustrated by what is described as years of neglect by the Cross River State Government, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikom Branch, in collaboration with the Cross River State Judiciary, has adopted a community-driven funding approach to rehabilitate deteriorating judicial infrastructure in the state.
The initiative resulted in the renovation of High Court II in Ikom, located in Central Cross River State. The project was commissioned on Saturday, June 27, 2026 by the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme.
Our correspondent reports that the renovation was financed through voluntary contributions from business owners, community members, private individuals, legal practitioners, and other public-spirited citizens.
Stakeholders at the commissioning ceremony lamented what they described as the government’s prolonged neglect of judicial infrastructure across the state, noting that the Ikom initiative has demonstrated a practical model for addressing the worsening condition of court facilities.
The project, which is said to cost about N18 million, included the installation of a new roof, modern furniture, solar-powered electricity, a public address system, glass windows, repainting of the building, and the renovation of the judges’ chambers.
Speaking during the inspection and commissioning, the Chief Judge, Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, commended the NBA Ikom Branch for its determination and commitment to restoring the court facility.
“She said, “as I listened to the Ikom chairman, I noticed, God just brought me at the right time, what I’ve seen is wonderful. The last time I came here I was a bit depressed, but today the story is different. I thank you for having the mind to go ahead to get contributions that were put to good use, I give you kudos for that,” she said.
“Ikom NBA has set a pace for the state, having put in this edifice, you must make it work. I don’t want to hear that thieves broke in, we’ll try to get approval to get some security men to secure this place.”
Earlier, Chairman of the NBA, Ikom Branch, Tah Edwardson Offre Esq., explained that lawyers had previously undertaken piecemeal repairs on the facility but found the approach unsustainable, prompting them to embark on a comprehensive renovation through public support.
“Reckon that in the last two assizes, we lamented the complete neglect of the Judiciary in the state and highlighted some Court halls that are totally dilapidated and in horrible state like the High Court II Ikom, Magistrate Courts 1 & II Ikom, the Okundi Magistrate Court hall that was blown away by rainstorm over 15 years ago among others.”
“Last year, a big tree fell and destroyed the Magistrate Court 2 & 3 Hall in Ikom. The Presiding Magistrates of Magistrate Courts 2 & 3 in Ikom relocated to an old mud building containing a small hall whose walls are cracked and the ceilings are totally off. As if that was not enough the iconic Magistrate Court 1 building was gutted by fire caused by an unknown arsonist on 23″ April, 2026.
“Early this year, with the permission of my Lord the Honorable Chief Judge, the Presiding Judge of High Court 2 Ikom, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ubua in collaboration with the NBA Ikom Judicial Division taxed themselves and also sought support from well-meaning members of the public and senior lawyers to raise funds for the renovation of the High Court 2 Hall Ikom which project has cost over N18,000,000 (Eighteen Million Naira).
“The work includes the re-roofing of the building, fixing of new ceilings and glass windows, tiling of the Court Hall and furnishing of the Court Hall and Judge’s chambers. We also installed a modern public address system as well as solar panels for regular power supply,” the chairman explained.
Also speaking, Justice Edet Kufre of High Court I applauded the initiative, describing the project as a remarkable achievement.
He said, “I’ve an idea of what it is like to convince people to contribute resources to execute a project like this. I know what it is: the building speaks for itself. It is such a nice job.”
The Presiding Judge of High Court II, Justice Emmanuel Ubua, expressed gratitude to the Chief Judge for approving the project and appreciated members of the NBA and the Ikom community for supporting the renovation.
Lawyers and stakeholders at the event observed that court infrastructure across Cross River State remains in poor condition, with many arguing that states such as Ebonyi, Rivers, and Benue have significantly better judicial facilities.
They maintained that successive administrations in Cross River State have failed to invest adequately in the judiciary, forcing legal practitioners and concerned citizens to take responsibility for restoring court infrastructure.
The prevailing sentiment among lawyers at the event was captured in the statement: “If the government is not willing to help us, for God Sake, let’s help ourselves.”
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