Legal Year: Gov Umo Eno to Build Housing Estate for Judges in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has promised to set up a befitting housing estate designated for serving Judges in the State, as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a healthy collaboration with the Judiciary.
Speaking during an Inter-denominational Thanksgiving service to mark the Official Opening of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, held at the Uyo Metropolitan Area Conference Headquarters of Qua Iboe Church, the Governor said prioritising the welfare of judges was an acknowledgement of their contribution to achieving government goals of ridding the State of criminal elements and institutionalizing peace.
“My intention for the Emily Estate was to have a modern Estate for Judges only. But right now, other senior public servants have been given accommodation there, but we will go back to our original plan.
“We have acquired a land and I will invite you to a ground- breaking ceremony of a brand new Estate that we want to put together for only Judges. It will actually, be for serving Judges. For the retired Judges, they already have their homes and we will support them.”
Reflecting on the successes recorded by the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot and the robust working relationship between the Executive and Judiciary in the last Legal Year, Governor Eno, lauded the Akwa Ibom Judiciary for upholding the annual tradition of stock-taking and for innovations brought to bear to decongest prisons by accelerating trials and reducing the backlog of awaiting trial cases.
“Let me again express our profound appreciation for the robust relationship we have enjoyed with the Judicial Arm of Government, especially considering our avowed determination to rid our State of criminal elements and secure the peace and well-being of our people.
“I am aware of the reforms His Lordship has introduced and how that has helped reduce the backlog of criminal cases awaiting trial. I know a lot more effort would be put into this area, so that those who may have disturbed public peace are swiftly tried, convicted, and incarcerated, while those who may be innocent are set free.”
Also commending the cooperation of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the State, especially the efforts of the retiring Controller of Corrections, ACG Julius Ezugwu, in securing the approval for the relocation and upgrading of the correctional facility in Uyo, the Governor announced the appointment of the retired Assistant Comptroller General as Consultant to oversee the construction of the new facility to specification.
“I am sure you have been told that I have offered you a post as a Consultant to the new Correctional Centre that we are about to build, so that instead of going back home, since you have started the project, you need to finish it.
“That is Akwa Ibom’s way of telling you thank you. I remember the number of times you reached out to me to talk about what you needed. I told you that place will never accomodate you. Of course, it was being ravaged by erosion, and we worked tirelessly to get the federal approval to also relocate the prison. So thank you for the work that you did,” the Governor added.
In her speech, Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Honourable Justice Ekaette Obot, described the event as a worthwhile appreciation of God’s grace for surviving the turbulence of the preceding year and the huge support of the Executive through Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda.
The Chief Judge further expressed optimism that with the positive impact on the various sectors of the State, occasioned by the operation of the ARISE Agenda, the 2024/2025 Legal Year will be the best for the Akwa Ibom Judiciary, while commending visible imprints of the Governor’s respect for the rule of law and penchant for justice.
The General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference of the Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria, Rev. Ekpedeme Moffat Efanga, delivered a sermon at the event titled, “Divine Remembrance” culled from the Bible reading for the day, Nehemiah 5:13-19.
The cleric said in the eyes of God and man, everyone will be remembered for their deeds, be it good or evil, as he urged the legal practitioners, both at the bar and on the bench, to endeavour to utilize opportunities they have to do that which would leave good memories.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of Judiciary Award of Excellence and Outstanding Performance to the Governor by the Chief Judge, and awards of Innovative and Impactful Service to the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and outgoing State Controller of Corrections, ACG Julius Ezugwu, followed by prayers for the 2024/2025 Legal Year, integrity of the Courts and the Nigerian nation.
