BREAKING: Lawyers, Residents Protest As Cross River Goes 46 Days Without A Chief Judge

By Jonathan Ugbal

Residents and lawyers in Cross River State are currently protesting against the vacancy in the position of the Chief Judge of the High Court of the State.

Numbering over 50, they have blocked the entrance of the judiciary headquarters stopping those who are trying to gain entry.

The crisis rocking the judiciary leadership began when the House of Assembly refused to confirm Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge following her recommendation by the National Judicial Council.

Governor Ben Ayade is said to have preferred her junior, Justice Maurice Eneji.

Justice Eneji was appointed in acting capacity twice and following the lapse in his tenure, there has been a vacancy.

However, following a threat by the lawyers, Governor Ayade hastily announced on Sunday that he will swear in Justice Eyo Ita in Court 3 as the acting Chief Judge of the state.

He relied on Section 271 (4) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).

More details later…