By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
As the 2025 Legal Year commences in Akwa Ibom, the State governor has assured the State Judiciary of his administration’s continued partnership to sustain peace and security in the State.
Pastor Umo Eno, who gave the assurance, yesterday, at a special inter-denominational church service, which took place at The Believers Assembly Evangelical Nigeria, Uyo, to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year, pledged his administration’s continued commitment to a strong working relationship with the Judiciary.
Eno said his administration has chosen collaboration in place of contention, and has also respected and maintained the boundaries between the two arms of government as enshrined in the principles of separation of power, adding that the result has been a seamless relationship that puts the interest of the people at the centre of government’s engagements.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Judiciary in the maintenance of peace and ensuring orderliness in the society, and assured that the executive arm will continuously ensure a conducive environment for everyone to deliver on their responsibilities.
Eno applauded the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot, for the warm and robust collaboration she has maintained between the executive and judicial arms of government which, he acknowledged, has been fruitful and productive.
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.
The governor made known that the State government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 people to fill vacant positions in the State Judiciary, adding that the gesture is aimed at ensuring that more hands are present to expedite court processes so that those who breach or violate the law are tried speedily and those adjudged innocent released to pursue their legitimate tasks.
Eno explained that all applicants would go through the State employment portal, as there are no slots and no godfathers but that anything relating to the recruitment exercise will be done in the most credible and transparent manner, which is what the Judiciary is known for.
This, he said, will eventually lead to the decongestion of prisons in the State.
Eno said government has 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 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 tranquility. 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 Prelate of Believers Assembly, Professor Isaiah Isong, harped on the need to enthrone the rule of law, praying that judges become known not only for their knowledge of law, but for their fear of God.
Isong also prayed that lawyers should serve not only as advocates for clients, but also as ministers of the truth.
“Let no man in this land be too powerful to be corrected; and no man too poor to be protected. Let human rights be more than words in the constitution,” he added.
Leading members of the judiciary on a thanksgiving, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaete Obot, appreciated God for the judiciary, and also appreciated the governor for creating a conducive environment for the smooth operation of the judiciary.
Obot appreciated the Governor for building a Judiciary village and other welfare packages to judges and other members of the judiciary, and assured the Governor of continued collaboration for the peace and development of the State.
Discussion about this post