C-River To Celebrate Chief Justice Onnoghen

… Inaugurates 16 Members Committee   

BY ARCHIBONG EYO, CALABAR – The stage has been set by the Cross River State Government to formally honour Justice Walter Kanu Onnoghen and celebrate his well-earned elevation to the exalted office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria with a 16-member Committee inaugurated to package a grand State reception for the nation’s number one jurist.

Justice Onnoghen was on March 1, 2017 confirmed by the Senate as the new Chief Justice of the Federation after consideration of the letter sent to by Acting-President Yemi Osinbajo the National Assembly requesting his confirmation as substantive CJN.

Inaugurating the Committee at Government House, Calabar, the State Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, urged members to work assiduously on sensitizing all Cross Riverians about hosting a State banquet that befits the priceless office of Nigeria’s Chief Justice.

Professor Esu described it as an honour that a Cross Riverian is appointed to the esteemed position of CJN for the very first time in the nation’s judicial history.

He said the Governor, Senator Ben Ayade has implicit confidence in the Committee members and their integrity to organize a stately reception for the CJN, adding that Cross River State is blessed to have such a worthy and great son like Justice Onoghen flying its flag at the apex of Nigeria’s judiciary.

The Deputy Governor, in congratulating the Committee members on their deserved appointment, charged them to deliver successfully on the assignment given the importance attached to the CJN’s office by the government and people of Cross River State.

In his response, Chairman of the Committee, Ntufam Ekpo Okon, thanked the Governor for finding them worthy of the assignment and expressed members’ determination to give their best in ensuring the desired result is achieved at the end.

Ntufam Okon said as Cross Riverians, the Committee members appreciate the excitement of the government and people of the State in having an esteemed personality like Justice Onnoghen as Nigeria’s Chief Justice, even as he pledged their readiness to organize a flawless and befitting welcome for him.

Among the 16 member committee are: Ntufam Ekpo Okon – Chairman; Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo; Mr. Sunny Ugbong; Mr. Tom Adie; Mrs Monique Ogon; Hon Eko Atu; and Professor Stella Andem Rabana.

Others include: Professor Stella Efa Atoe; Dr. Pauline Ekuri; Chief Patrick Okomiso; Hon Ani Esin; Ntufam John A. Okon; Barrister Pius Ufada; Signor Omang Idieghe; Dr U. Idagba; and Barrister John Ebokpo.