The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 additional staff into the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary.
Governor Eno who made the announcement during an interdenominational thanksgiving service in Uyo to usher in the 2025/2026 Legal Year, explained that the new staff will fill vacancies in the system, enabling the courts to expedite hearings and reduce custodial centre congestion across the state.
Governor Eno emphasized that all applicants would go through the State employment portal, saying, “There are no slots and there are no godfathers. Everything relating to the recruitment exercise will be done in the most credible and transparent manner, which is what the judiciary is known for.”
Governor Eno commended the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, for the warm and robust collaboration between the Executive and Judicial Arms of government, which, according to him, has been fruitful and productive.
Governor Umo Eno also pledged his administration’s continuos commitment to a strong working relationship with the judiciary, in a bid to sustain peace and security in the State.
“We have chosen collaboration in place of contention, we have respected and maintained the boundaries between our two Arms as enshrined in the principles of Separation of Power, and the result has been a seamless relationship that puts the interest of our people at the centre of our engagements.
The Governor acknowledged the efforts of the judiciary to maintain peace and ensure orderliness in the society, and assured that the Executive arm will continue to ensure a conducive environment for everyone to deliver on their responsibilities.
He warned against attempts by any individual or group to stifle the peace in the State, stressing that where there is perceived injustice, parties involved should approach the courts and allow it address such issues, without engaging in sub judicial acts.
“We have also made provisions for the construction of Evidence Rooms in a number of police stations in Uyo in the 2026 Budget as a way of expediting the conviction of criminals and the discharge of those whom evidence may lead to their exoneration,” he said.
The Governor congratulated the judiciary on the opening of a new legal year, saying, “As you mark this New Legal Year, I pray for more spirit of unity, collaboration, and may our State remain an oasis of peace and tranquillity, and may our youths continue to Arise and shun all anti-social and morally repugnant tendencies that may put them in the crosshairs of the law.”
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, while declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year, appreciated God for the judiciary, and also commended the State Governor for creating a conducive environment for the smooth operation of the judiciary.
Justice Obot lauded efforts by the Governor in prioritising the welfare of judges and other members of the judiciary, and assured of continuous collaboration and partnership for the peace and development of the State.
The Chief Judge specifically appreciated the Governor for building a Judiciary village and other welfare packages to judges and other members of the judiciary as well as the prompt release of funds to carry out their obligations.
According to her, funds were also released for the rehabilitation of dilapidated court structures, including the Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division, where structural engineers have already been engaged and contracts awarded for reinforcement.
“We have paid, and are still paying, debts in accordance with the list prepared by the Accounts Department. The first tranche of N500 million has been exhausted, and we are now on the second batch of N250 million. Once this is expended, we hope further funds will be released so we can finally clear the debts incurred since 2014. For the payments made so far, we say thank you to the Governor. I assure you that not a kobo will be diverted until the debts for which the funds were approved are fully settled,” Justice Obot stated.
The Chief Judge further announced that Governor Eno had provided 12 luxury vehicles for Judges and two saloon cars for Chief Registrars to ease mobility and improve service delivery.
She noted that the upward review of monthly allocation has strengthened the Judiciary’s capacity in the training and retraining of Judges, Magistrates, Customary Court Chairmen, and other staff.
Justice Obot added that the Governor has sponsored 16 Judicial Officers for foreign trainings and workshops, while also ensuring timely release of funds for vacation allowances and participation in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference.
Earlier in his message, the Prelate of Believers Assembly, Prof. Isaiah Isong stressed on the need to enthrone the rule of Law, saying “May our Judges become known
