C/RIVER: Finally, assembly confirms Ikpeme as Chief Judge after two previous rejections

THE House of Assembly has confirmed Justice Akon Ikpeme as substantive Chief Judge of the state.

The confirmation came after the same set of lawmakers had rejected Ikpeme twice.

But today when the representatives of Ogoja Constituency who doubles as the Leader of the House, Peter Odey moved the motion for the confirmation of  Ikepeme, apart from being seconded the Chief Whip, Okon Ephraim, the lawmakers unanimously supported it through an overwhelming voice note.

Speaking on why Ikpeme was confirmed as the substantive Chief Judge in spite of her earlier rejection, the Speaker, Eteng Williams said, “The Assembly just did its job. We got new facts. We got documents that we needed. We’ve done our own findings,” adding that what the lawmakers had done was to stabilise the judiciary.

He said the Chief Judge is expected to discharge her duty without fear or favour and that she should be fair.

Also speaking, Peter Odey who moved the motion for Ikpeme’s confirmation, said, “It was the decision of the House at that time not to confirm her. And it is the decision of the House of Assembly to confirm her today. The House has done the needful and that chapter is now behind us. I wish Cross River judiciary well.”

It was alleged that the House rejected Ikepeme on the two previous occasions because she hails from Akwa-Ibom but became an indigene of Cross-River by marriage.

Justice Akon Ikpeme had served as Acting Chief Judge of the state for three months, followed by Justice Maurice Eneji, who acted for six months while Justice Eyo Effiom-Ita acted for three months.