The Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has sworn in Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme as the first substantive Chief Judge of the state in nearly two years, making her the first female chief judge in the state’s history.
The swearing-in of the Chief Judge was held at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar, the State Capital.
Governor Ayade admonished her to ensure that justice is guaranteed for all who come before her, noting that her swearing-in was an act of divine orchestration.
The Governor added that he was pleased that the long-drawn saga over the appointment of a substantial chief judge had finally come to an end, noting that the independence and stability of the Judiciary will be guaranteed with the emergence of Justice Ikpeme.
The Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar was filled with members of the judicial arm of government from far and near as they gathered to witness the swearing-in of the first female chief judge of Cross River State by the state Executive Governor, Professor Ben Ayade.
Reacting to her confirmation by the legislative arm of Government, Professor Ben Ayade described Justice Ikpeme as the just and most qualified professional for the position, and sort her support for a robust working relationship throughout her term.
The newly sworn-in Chief judge, Justice Ikpeme in her remarks, assured that the judiciary under her watch will collaborate with the other two arms of government to bring about good governance for all citizens irrespective of where and who they are.
The National President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, and a representative from the Enugu Judicial arm were delighted with the occasion, describing it as a climax to a long struggle.
Other members of the executive arm of the state government also expressed their pleasure with the development which has given a woman the opportunity to explore, believing that she will put a humane face to all of her dealings.
