BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The 2022/2023 legal year has flagged off in Cross River State with practitioners in the law profession urged to deploy a humane approach, equity, and fairness to justice delivery in their everyday engagements with the people.
The General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel, Bishop (Dr) Emmah Isong, made the call at the commemorative Church service to mark the occasion, saying experience shows that some convicted persons have actually suffered a miscarriage of justice due to avoidable errors and regrettable technicalities during their trial sessions.
In his sermon during the Service, Bishop Isong said it is imperative that justice prevails in all situations to ensure that individuals are not wrapped with wrong accusations and exposed to unjustness that ultimately puts them through physical and emotional torture.
Making reference to the scriptures, the Clergy highlighted the case involving the woman accused of committing adultery but was graciously saved from death by our Lord Jesus Christ who prevailed on her accusers to cast the first stone if they were without sin.
He however commended the humane disposition of the State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme, describing her as an epitome of fairness in justice dispensation given her antecedent as an unblemished judicial officer of repute.
Bishop Isong also appreciated Governor Ben Ayade for the peaceful and cordial working relationship existing among the three arms of government in the state and prayed that God strengthens their faith in each other for the overall benefit of the general populace.
In her remarks ushering in the new legal year, the State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme lauded officers of the bench and the bar for their wonderful cooperation and appealed for greater synergy in dispensing justice without fear or hindrance.
She also praised Gov Ayade for creating a harmonious working relationship with the judiciary and pledged that such a gesture would remain indelible at all times.
