— 50 Judiciary Quarters, new Court of Appeal complex, Public Defender’s Office set for implementation
The Akwa Ibom State Government and the Judiciary have pledged to deepen their collaboration in advancing justice, strengthening the rule of law and consolidating the peaceful atmosphere in the state as the 2026/2027 Legal Year opens.
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette F. F. Obot, led members of the Judiciary to a thanksgiving service at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, where she commended Governor Umo Eno for what she described as his sustained support for the Judiciary.
Representing Governor Eno, Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi conveyed the Governor’s appreciation to the Chief Judge and judicial officers, saying the cordial relationship between the Executive and Judiciary had remained vital to the state’s stability.
Governor Eno said the Judiciary played a critical role in interpreting the law and ensuring that society remained orderly and law-abiding, adding that government would continue to support judicial welfare while respecting the independence of the arm of government.
He disclosed that 50 modern housing units for judges, being developed along the Ring Road as Judiciary Quarters, would be commissioned and handed over to the Judiciary within the new legal year.
The Governor also announced the ongoing construction of a new Court of Appeal complex, designed to facilitate access to appellate justice, while revealing that the newly enacted law establishing the Office of the Public Defender would become operational during the legal year to provide legal assistance to indigent citizens.
He described the relationship between the Executive and Judiciary as a key component of the state’s peaceful environment and pledged continued cooperation in advancing justice and the rule of law.
In her thanksgiving remarks, Chief Judge Obot said despite the challenges encountered since assuming office, God had continued to sustain her and the Judiciary.
She thanked Governor Eno for his support, saying he had been particularly supportive of her office and the Judiciary, while also appreciating the Deputy Governor and other stakeholders for their cooperation.
Justice Obot expressed optimism that the new legal year would bring greater progress and prosperity to the Judiciary.
Delivering the sermon, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia challenged judicial officers and other leaders to ensure that thanksgiving translates into ethical conduct, justice and compassion.
Drawing from Zechariah Chapter Seven, Pastor Ukafia said God was more concerned about the character and conduct of leaders than mere religious observances.
He urged judicial officers to listen before deciding, pursue justice without fear or favour, combine authority with compassion and protect the vulnerable, particularly widows, orphans, the poor and people without political or social influence.
He cautioned that corruption and injustice often begin with compromises in the heart, urging public officers to guard against political pressure, personal interests, fear, bitterness and other influences that could undermine their responsibilities.
The cleric maintained that public confidence depends greatly on the integrity of those entrusted with authority, stressing that where justice is trusted, society becomes stable, but where justice becomes uncertain, fear and distrust grow.
The service featured prayers for the Judiciary, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and the Church, as judicial officers committed the new legal year to God.