…Insists Judges’ Welfare Is Paramount To State Govt
By Nsan Ndoma-Neji, Calabar
Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, yesterday presented brand new vehicles to newly appointed judges working in the state, stressing that the judges deserve a better life.
In a brief ceremony at the Governor’s Office open field, Ayade handed over the keys to the vehicles to the state Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme.
He said, “I’m here with the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Justice Akon Ikpeme. I’m here to make a presentation to our judicial officers, the vehicles that befit their status; because I have seen that the Nigerian judiciary is a dependable arm of government, an arm of government that gives hope to the common man, an arm of government that dispenses justice.
Speaking further, the governor told Justice Ikpeme that the presentation of the vehicles afforded him another opportunity to once again, on behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, thank the judiciary for dispensing justice without fear or favour.
His words: “I’m particularly happy and I’m using this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Nigerian judiciary for standing on the side of the law, by standing with the truth.
“Against this background, the people of Cross River State want to show appreciation to the judiciary. On behalf of the government and people of Cross River state, I hereby present these jeeps and cars to you.”
Responding, the Chief Judge of the state commended the governor for the gesture and pledged the judiciary’s commitment to justice delivery.
Justice Ikoeme said, “Your Excellency, with joy, on behalf of the judiciary, I receive the keys to these brand new vehicles. I want to say that on behalf of the judiciary, I appreciate this gesture.
“We have new judges and you have thought and deemed it fit to give them these cars. We thank you very much and on our side, we will continue to work for the betterment of the state as far as justice delivery is concerned.”
