These are not the best of times for Nigeria's Law Profession! A story for another piece. Meanwhile, my Lord, Hon. Justice Maurice Eneji, Rtd was reported to have written thus on platform that goes by the name, CONFEDERATION OF BEKWARRA LAWYERS:
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ON February 8, 2021, the Honourable Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme, was sworn in as the substantive Chief Judge of Cross-River State, in a colourful ceremony that was attended and watched live by many. It has been a tortuous journey, for My Lord in particular. How did it happen? On March 3, 2020, Governor Ben Ayade shocked the nation and the judiciary in Nigeria when he proceeded to swear in Honourable Justice Maurice Eneji, as the Acting Chief Judge of Cross-River State, to take over from Honourable Justice Ikpeme, whose tenure expired in acting capacity on March 2, 2020. It was an executive act that blew dust on the face of the judiciary directly, ranking as it were, as the greatest act of impunity, so far displayed against the most sacred institution of governance, by the executive arm. At all relevant times, the Honourable Justice Ikpeme was the most senior judge in the Cross-River State judiciary, but then she is a lady and she is from Akwa Ibom State by birth, although marri
After 13 months of being stubborn Cross River state executive and House of Assembly, yesterday, bowed to pressure by confirming Justice Akon Ikpeme as Chief Judge (CJ).
Since retirement of Justice Michael Edem in November 2019, Cross River has remained without a substantive chief judge, following disagreement between the state government and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
The NJC wanted due process followed and the most senior judge appointed as CJ, but the state government wanted its favourite candidate, a junior judge, to emerge.
Governor Ben Ayade had in November 2019, after much pressure, sworn-in Justice Ikpeme, being the most senior judge, as acting chief judge. But three months after the expiration of her acting tenure, the House of Assembly, through alleged manipulation by the executive arm, declined to confirm Justice Ikpeme on grounds that she is from Akwa Ibom State and will constitute a security risk despite the fact that she is married to a Cross River husband
Daily Post Nigeria
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There is uncertainty in the Cross River State Judiciary as the tenure of the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Eyo Effiom Ita expires today.
Justice Akon B. Ikpeme was Acting Chief Judge of the State for three months, followed by Justice Maurice O. Eneji for six months. Justice Eyo Ita also acted for three months.
A source told DAILY POST that the National Judiciary Council (NJC) has declined extending the tenure of Justice Effiom Ita for another three months.
The NJC recommended Justice Akon Ikpeme but the State House of Assembly refused following alleged security threat.
Ntufam Mba Ukweni, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, spoke to our reporter on the development.