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Says God fought your battle, touched my heart
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NBA applauds right step finally taken
Justice Akon Ikpeme
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State says the new Chief Judge of the State, Justice Akon Ikpeme is a ‘Covenant child’ destined by God to occupy the noble position.
Speaking during her swearing-in at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office in Calabar, Professor Ayade described Justice Ikpeme’s emergence as an act of God that could not be derailed by the actions of men
He said though controversy surrounded the initial selection, “As God has touched my heart, so had God touched the heart of every person in the position of taking decision in your favour. That has resulted in the swearing in of today. To God is the glory. You are a covenant child.”
According to Governor Ayade; “this brings to a close the worries of Cross River People for the stability in the state judiciary. The State is in a sorry state with a very low income but with huge projects.
“We definitely do not need any distraction; be it in the judiciary, the legislature or the executive.”
Urging Justice Ikpeme to ensure justice for all who come before her, Governor Ayade said; “We need consistency and harmony of the three arms of government, while also keeping the constitutional provisions for the Separation of powers.”
The Governor said amid the dispute over her choice, he got “to know her as a very good person and the right person for the job and she came at the right time.”
He therefore urged her to justice the confidence reposed in her by dispensing “justice without fear or favour; but be fair and know that God fought your battle. No man fought your battle.”
Responding after the oath-taking ceremony, Justice Ikpeme, who expressed appreciation to God Almighty for his mercies and faithfulness, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state and its people.
“Your Excellency, you have said it all. I want to first and foremost give glory to God who rules in the affairs of men and has made this day possible. I also want to thank the governor for making this day a reality. I thank you from the depth of my heart”, she said.
The new Chief Judge further said; “I thank the NBA President, Olumide Akpata Esq who is here with us to witness this event. I thank elders of the Bar and the entire judiciary as well as the media.
“I can’t forget to thank my Husband who is my pillar of support and I blessed the day I found him.”
Justice Ikpeme promised that the Cross River judiciary will witness a new lease of life under her watch, adding that it will also fully cooperate with the executive and the legislature to move the State forward.
Also speaking at the occasion, National President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Olumide Akpata, said; “the NBA is happy that the right thing has been done. We are extremely delighted. It is a fitting climax to a long struggle.
“The ability to resolve huge challenges is the hallmark of leadership. I am glad that all the dramatis personae have been able to come to this fantastic outcome. The outcome reflects the internment of our constitution.”
Mr Akpata urged the new Chief Judge to work assiduously; knowing that she is inheriting a judiciary with many contending issues, adding; “I pray God to give her the strength and the wisdom to navigate the stormy waters and ensure that she delivers the goods for the judiciary of Cross River State.
“We expect her to work and cooperate with the other arms of government but at the same time, uphold the independence of the judiciary.”
“The NBA has been part of this process and we are delighted at the outcome and will continue to take special interest in what is happening in Cross River State”, Akpata said
Justice Ikpeme succeeds the immediate past Chief Judge, Justice Michael Edem who retired from service in November 2019.
The 62-year-old Judge is the second female Chief Judge since the creation of Cross River state and was appointed a judge on November 16, 1998.
The first female Chief Judge of Cross River State was Justice Dorothy Nsa Eyamba-Idem who retired after serving for 12 years between 2000 and 2012.
Gracing the swearing in ceremony were four visiting judges from Delta, Enugu and Akwa Ibom states, including some senior lawyers in the State, and former Deputy Governor, Mr Efiok Cobham among others.
The Cross River State House of Assembly had on Thursday, January 28, 2021 backtracked and confirmed Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive chief judge of the state.
In a unanimous decision, the House made a u-turn on its earlier standpoint rejecting Justice Ikpeme’s choice over her so-called State of origin.
