Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio has charged the newly sworn-in acting Chief Judge of the state to use his office to ensure the integrity of the judiciary.

Akpabio gave the charge Friday after the swearing-in ceremony of the state acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Stephen Okon and seven permanent secretaries at the Governor’s Office, Uyo, remarked: “We urge you to ensure the integrity of the Judiciary. Let the Judiciary not only espouse the idea that justice delayed is justice denied, let them walk the talk so that the public will put more trust in the judiciary.

“Over the years, the executive arm of government had enjoyed a most cordial relationship with the Judiciary and the Legislature. This cordial relationship set the tone for the peace, which we have in this state, and which created the conducive environment for the uncommon transformation of our dear state.

“In a matter of days, a new administration will take over the reins of government in our state. We expect that the Judiciary under Your Lordship, Justice Stephen Okon will extend the same cordiality to the new administration. We expect the Judiciary to rise to the challenges of the transition, and solve thorny legal issues and policy questions, which may be generated by some persons who may wish to take undue advantage of the transition process.”

Congratulating him, the governor remarked: “As we mark the beginning of Your Lordship Justice, Stephen Okon’s tenure as the Chief Judge of our State, we are hopeful that your tenure will be defined by standards of excellence, and the same devotion, sense of honour and integrity that stood you out as an icon in the bench. Your faith in the highest ideals of our justice system should chart a refreshing course for the Judiciary and further bolster public confidence in our justice system. We believe that you are uniquely positioned, superbly qualified and sufficiently grounded in law to take Akwa Ibom Judiciary to the next level.”

According to Akpabio, “Your Lordship, you have taken the bench and pledged your fidelity to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and commitment to the service of Akwa Ibom people. We look back at your pedigree and see a great legal mind that will keep this covenant and remain an ardent defender of justice. We see a man who will strengthen the rule of law and bolster our justice system.

“We are certain that His Lordship Justice Stephen Okon will do what is right to sanitize the Judiciary, serve the course of justice, and help us in building a safer, stronger and more just society. We once again offer him our best wishes, even as we commit him to God for strength to do that, which is right, and wisdom to discern the truth and protect it.

“Furthermore, Your Lordship, by your ascension to this high office, we celebrate your tremendous career as a great public servant and an extraordinarily talented legal professional. We acknowledge your genius, patriotism and sense of commitment.”

Akpabio then paid tributes to the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, His Lordship Justice Idongesit Ntem-Isua, whom, he said, is a respected and dedicated public servant and that her passion for the law and determination to serve the cause of justice, were never in doubt.

The governor also applauded the services she rendered to the state in the course of her meritorious career and noted with delight the infrastructure she developed along the way, stressing that she got infected with the bug of the uncommon transformation, “a bug we wish the new acting Chief Judge will be infected with early in his tenure,” and wishing the immediate past Chief Judge well in her endeavours.

The Permanent Secretaries sworn-in were Dr. Monday Akpan, Pst. Bassey Umoh, Mrs. Emette Imuk, Dr. Helen Ukpabio, Mrs. Mercy Isang, Mr. Nkopuruk Ekaiko and Mr. Nse Edem.

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

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