By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
The governor of Cross River State, Senator. Prince Bassey Otu, has assured the Judiciary of his administration’s commitment to put an end to the many challenges facing the sector.
He made this known while speaking at the official opening of the 2023/2024 Legal Year held at St Bernard’s Catholic church Calabar to mark the commencement of legal activities in the State.
Otu, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, said “a legal year is a time for Legal Practitioners to recommit and dedicate themselves to the ideals of the profession”.
Therefore, he charged them to embrace technology as the collaboration between the legal profession and technological advancement which has the potential to revolutionize how the dispensation of justice is approached.
He, however called on them to be vigilant in the face of these challenges which technological advancement brings because the boundary between the physical and virtual are blurred.
Governor Otu added that the legal year affords the Judiciary the opportunity to reflect on the state of access to justice in our society, emphasizing that they must always strive to ensure that justice is not only available to those who can afford it, but all members of the society.
“You must work for a legal system that is not only efficient and fair, but also inclusive and responsive to all individuals regardless of their social or economic background.”
He further admonished that as they embark on this legal year, let them be guided by the principles of integrity, professionalism and compassion while also embracing peace and inclusion.
Also, he assured the Judiciary that this administration will collaborate with and equip the Judges with all that is necessary to ensure that they discharge their duties responsibly.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, said it was traditional for her and the Judiciary to begin the legal year in God’s presence.
She thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Charles Etim, for the Homily.
She prayed that God will to protect their lives, guide and reminded them that one day, they too will stand before the greatest Judge of all.
Justice Ikpeme encouraged the judicial officers to go back to the drawing board as the legal year begins and do what they can do with their consciences in place.
