A’Ibom Chief Judge Applauds Govt’s Upward Review Of Monthly Allocation To State Judiciary

… As AKSG Releases N750m To Settle Accumulated Debts Owed Judiciary For Years
By Idongesit Akan
UYO
The Chief Judge of Akwa lbom has applauded Governor Umo Eno for approving and upward review of the monthly allocation to Akwa Ibom Judiciary and the release of N750 milion to settle accumulated debts owed over the years.
Justice Ekaete Obot disclosed this while declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the State Judiciary, which took place at the Multi-Purpose Hall, Judiciary Headquarters, Uyo, recently.
   She explained that the first tranche of N500 million was released in March 2025, while the second tranche of N250 million was released in August. 
In addition, Governor Eno approved N300 million for capital projects within the Judiciary.
  “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.
  According to her, funds were also released for the rehabilitation of dilapidated court structures, including the Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division, High Court No. 1, where structural engineers have already been engaged and contracts awarded for reinforcement.
   Justice Obot added that the Governor has sponsored 16 Judicial Officers on foreign training and workshops, while also ensuring timely release of funds for vacation allowances and participation in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference.