ACTING GOVERNOR CHARGES NEW CHIEF JUDGE TO
MAKE REFORMS FOR FAIR DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE
The State Acting Governor Mr. Efiok Cobham has charged the newly sworn in State Chief Judge, Justice Okoi Ikpi Item, to fashion out necessary reforms that will ensure quick and fair dispensation of justice in the state.
The Acting Governor gave the charge yesterday in Calabar, while swearing in the new state Chief Judge Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam at the main bowl of the state cultural centre.
Mr. Cobham assured the chief Judge of the state governments readiness to render any assistance that may be needed to enhance effective discharge of his duties.
He said the appointment of Justice Okoi Itam, who was earlier sworn in as Acting Chief Judge and had diligently performed his duties during the period and was nominated by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as chief Judge and was unanimously confirmed by the Cross River State House of Assembly, was in line with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which required the Governor to appoint the most senior Judge of the High Court to perform the functions of the chief Judge where a vacancy exists.
According to Mr. Cobham, the need to reposition the Judiciary for effective service delivery has necessitated the appointment and swearing in of a new High Court Judge in the person of Justice. Ashu Ewa.
He maintained that in order to strengthen the nascent democratic system in Nigeria, it was incumbent on the state government to accord the judiciary its rightful place in the polity to ensure active participation in the rule of law which had been suppressed and undermined in the past.
Mr. Cobham noted that the present administration was committed to building a virile highly motivated and disciplined judiciary which he observed was the hope of not only the common man, but the entire society.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction over some judgments delivered by the High Courts. Which he noted, undermined the implementation of government plans, as well as create a sense of disharmony between the arms of government and urged the judiciary not to see itself as a separate entity of its own, but as part of a collective whole.
In his remarks the state Chief Judge Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam expressed his willingness to transform the state judiciary into a dependable and successful one while discharging its duties .
He commended the state House of Assembly for synergizing with the executive arm to facilitate the process of his confirmation and swearing in as the state Chief Judge.
In a citation read by the member representing the Boki II state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Mr. Jacob Otu Enya, Justice Okoi Itam was described as a man with unprecedented wealth of legal experience. From July, 1977 when he was called to the Nigerian Bar, Justice Itam had held many legal positions both in Nigeria and abroad.
He was in October, 2000 Judge, High Court of Gambia. Judge Advocate for Gambia, 2001 -2004 Acting Chief Justice of the Gambia 2002 and the Justice of the Gambia Court of Appeal, as well as chairman, Public Funds and property recovery Tribunal, Cross River State , among 8th other numerous judicial appointments in Nigeria.
He also is a member of the council of Chiefs in Ugep Urban.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Bar and the Bench, as well as members of the State Executive Council and member of the public.
Via: Cross River State Government - Official Press Release