The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has flagged off the construction of the State Judiciary Village with a view to giving judicial officers a convenient accommodation to enhance their job delivery.
Flagging off the estate located along Idongesit Nkanga Avenue (Ring Road III) in Uyo, the Governor described the project as a product of his administration’s inclusive governance.
“This village speaks to our faith in inclusive governance. The Judiciary plays a critical role in advancing the development of our people and our dear State,” he said.
The Governor acknowledged the seamless and robust relationship his administration has with the Judiciary to enable them serve the people better.
“For two years, we have had and have continued to have a robust collaborations with the Judiciary in our determined efforts to provide the dividends of democracy in line with our governance blueprint –the ARISE Agenda, for our people.
“Even though we respect the time-tested principles of separation of powers, but on the issue of growth and shared prosperity of our dear State, the deepening of our peace, unity, and the promotion of inclusive governance, we are all on the same page,” he explained.
According to the Governor, the Judiciary complex is his administration’s special way of ensuring that the State judicial officers live in an environment that is safe and secure to help them execute their prescribed constitutional roles of interpreting the law and ensuring that the people live in an ordered and law-abiding society without fear.
“They didn’t ask for it, but we felt we needed to do it. It is not only Judiciary quarters that we are building. Two days ago, I had the privilege of commissioning the first of the 31 Local Government Council Chairmen’s residences, which commenced at Eket. Work will now start in the remaining 30 Local Government Areas.
“Our belief is that for the Local Government Chairmen to function effectively, and be responsive to the need of the people that they are elected to serve, they must live with the people. You can’t be the village head of a particular village for instance, and decide to live in another village to oversee the affairs of your people and the village. You must live with your people.”
Governor Eno announced plans to flag off the Legislative quarters and one for State Executive Council members, saying that the gesture is to underscore the priority given to the welfare of all the partners in the Akwa Ibom Project.
Expressing the sentiments of the Judiciary, the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot appreciated the Governor for his passionate vision for the Judiciary and the Judges in her time, describing the Governor as a promise keeper.
Justice Obot congratulated the Governor on his second anniversary in office, describing him as a father to every Akwa Ibom person, irrespective of tongue, tribe, party affiliation, religious or social status.
Source: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, FRCN, Uyo
