By Timothy Ekpo
UYO
The Akwa Ibom government, has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the judiciary arm of govertment with inauguration of 50 housing units for judges and the construction of a new Court of Appeal in the state.
The Governor,who stated this in his remarks at the opening of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, which took place at Insight Bible Church, Uyo, said the actions were aimed at improving infrastructure, enhanced welfare and expanded access to justice.
Eno stated that the 50 modern residential units for judges and a new Court of Appeal complex in Uyo will be commissioned during the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno congratulated the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot, and the entire Judiciary, commending the cordial relationship between the Executive and Judicial Arms of Government since the administration assumed office in 2023.
He said the Judiciary played critical role in interpreting the law and ensuring an orderly and law-abiding society, attributing the peaceful atmosphere in the State partly to the synergy between the Executive, Judiciary and security agencies.
The state chief executive noted that his administration regarded the welfare of judicial officers as a sacred responsibility, adding that such support would be provided without compromising the independence of the Judiciary.
He disclosed that the government has constructed 50 modern homes along 3rd Ring Road, known as the Judiciary Quarters, to provide judges with safe, befitting and secure accommodation, stressing that the housing estate would be commissioned and handed over to the Judiciary during the new legal year.
He announced that a new Court of Appeal facility in Uyo was currently under construction to facilitate easier access to justice at the appellate level, adding that the facility would equally be commissioned and handed over to the President of the Court of Appeal during the new legal year.
He said the OPD would become operational during the 2026/2027 Legal Year, stressing that the initiative was designed to improve access to justice for indigent citizens.
The Governor assured that the Executive would continue to work collaboratively with the Judiciary to promote the cause of justice and the rule of law.
The State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaette Obot, emphasised the importance of integrity, fairness and professional responsibility in the administration of justice.
Obot stressed the need for judicial officers to remain committed to the ideals of justice and the rule of law, while appreciating the support of the State government to the Judiciary, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and the welfare of judicial officers.
She expressed appreciation to the Executive for its interventions in the justice sector and prayed for a productive and successful 2026/2027 Legal Year.
In his sermon titled “Thanksgiving That God Accepts,” the Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia, drew lessons from biblical passages including Zechariah 7:7-14, urging leaders and people entrusted with authority to demonstrate the values that make thanksgiving acceptable to God.
Ukafia stressed the need to cultivate a heart that listens to God, warning that those in positions of authority must remain sensitive to divine correction and be willing to listen.
He also challenged leaders to demonstrate a genuine commitment to true justice, insisting that justice must not be influenced by wealth, status, political considerations or personal interests.
He emphasised mercy and compassion, urging those entrusted with authority to exercise their responsibilities with humility and consideration for others.
He called particular attention to the vulnerable and less privileged, noting that the quality of justice in any society could be measured by how it treats people who lack power or influence.
Ukafia said true thanksgiving should produce renewed dedication to God, justice, compassion, protection of the vulnerable and responsible stewardship.
The service which featured prayers for Leaders at the federal and State levels, the economy, security and stability of Nigeria, and the Judiciary, brought together judicial officers, members of the Bar, government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders to usher in the new legal year.
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