From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the judiciary as the state commenced the 2025/2026 Legal Year with a thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Akim, Calabar.
Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, Otu praised the judiciary for its dedication, courage, and patriotism, describing the thanksgiving service as “sublime.”
He called for urgent attention to persistent challenges in justice delivery, including delayed trials and prolonged detentions. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” the governor warned, stressing the need for faster trials and broader use of Alternative Dispute Resolution to ease prison congestion.
Highlighting reforms, Otu disclosed that nine new courts have been approved for construction to decongest existing ones, while the reconstruction of the fire-ravaged Ogoja High Court is underway. He added that SUVs had been distributed to judges, and a protracted dispute with 30 magistrates had been resolved with payment of their salaries and arrears.
“The judiciary, as one arm of the tripod of governance, will continue to enjoy deserved attention under my watch,” he assured.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Cross River, Justice Akon Ikpeme, thanked the governor for sustained support, noting the provision of 20 vehicles to judges, including seven new ones distributed in September. She said the judiciary had recorded a 45 per cent revenue increase above the 2024 target and the appointment of 15 judges since May 2021 but appealed for further infrastructural upgrades, particularly magistrate courts and a larger ceremonial hall.
The thanksgiving service featured scripture readings, choir ministrations, and prayers. In his exhortation, Rev. Orok Nkebem of the Assemblies of God Church reminded the congregation that “the law was not made for the righteous but for sinners,” describing Jesus as the ultimate advocate interceding for humanity.
The event was attended by top government officials, judicial officers, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior lawyers.