Akpan Umoh, Uyo
A few hours to the end of his eight-year administration, the outgoing Governor of Akwa Ibom Mr Udom Emmanuel has commissioned an official residence for the Chief Judge of the state.
Speaking before the inauguration of the facility Emmanuel said the residence was his promise fulfilled and thanked the judiciary for the support given to his administration.
He called for more security personnel for the official residence of the Chief Judge from the incoming administration of Umo Eno.
Emmanuel urged that the Chief Judge would dispense justice without fear or favour while in the edifice.
“This is a purpose-built residence for the Chief Judge, it has a banquet hall that she can actually host some of the judges from time to time.
“She can do a whole lot here rather than going to her office. I’m sure when we finish, she can be linked up with data etc, especially these days they do a virtual meetings. I am sure as she is here, she will be able to dispense justice very well.
“Nothing to be afraid of in this environment, you are well protected you can see the whole place surrounded by security men, the Chief judge is well protected I’m sure the next governor will give you more security.”
In her remarks, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot, who will be the first occupant of the facility thanked the governor for coming through for the judiciary even as she thanked him for the car gift to judges.
Obot said the governor’s gesture of building an official residence for the CJ was the first in history since the 35 years of the state’s creation.