by The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu has assured the Judiciary that this administration will put an end to the challenges within the Judiciary.
The Governor made this known during official opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year held today the 18th of September,2023 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Marian Hill.
Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, who was able represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey said a legal year is a time to recommit and dedicate themselves to the ideals of the Judiciary. He charged them to embrace technology as the collaboration between the legal profession and technological advancement has the potential to revolutionize how the dispensation of justice is approached. He, however called on them to be vigilant in the face of the challenges which these advancement brings because the boundary between the physical and virtual are blurred.
Governor Otu added that the legal year affords the Judiciary the opportunity to reflect on the state of access to justice in our society. He called on them to ensure that justice is not only available to those who can afford it, but all members of the society. They must strive for a legal system that is not only efficient and fair, but also inclusive and responsive to all individuals regardless of their social or economic background.
His Excellency further admonished that as they embark on this legal year, let them be guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism and compassion while also embracing peace and inclusion.
He assured the Judiciary that this administration will collaborate with and equip the Judges with all that is necessary to ensure that they dispatch their duties responsibily.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, said it was traditional for her and the Judiciary to begin the legal year in God’s presence. While thanking the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Etim (Esq) for the homily, she prayed that God will see to their lives, guide and remind them that one day, they too will stand before the greatest Judge of all. Justice Ikpeme encouraged the judicial officers to go back to the drawing board as the legal year begins and do what they can do with their consciences in place. She appreciated all who left their busy schedules to grace the occasion.
Present at the event were the officiating priests, the Speaker, His Lordship, the President of the Cross River State Customary Court of Appeal, Their Lordships, Honourable Judges of the Cross River State High Court, The Attorney General of Cross River State, Senior Advocates of Nigeria, The Chief Registrar, Magistrates, The Solicitor General/ Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, The Director of Public Prosecution, Members of the Bar, Counsel of the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, amongst others.
