Gov Umo Eno Commissions High Court Of Justice In Onna

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has disclosed plans to give a new face to the judiciary in the state.

Speaking at the commissioning of the High Court of Justice at Onna Judicial Division, Awa, Onna LGA, he described the judiciary as a critical component of governance and assured of his administration’s commitment to partner with the judiciary, improve judges’ welfare, and create a conducive environment for judiciary workers to enhance the ease and speedy dispensation of justice.

In his words, “I want to say unequivocally that we want to give a new face to the judiciary in Akwa Ibom State. We want to work to ensure that our judges also enjoy what judges in other states enjoy.

“We believe that, by the grace of God, we will work with you and ensure that you discharge your duties in the best way possible. I aim to see that our judges are raised to a standard that they stand out anywhere,” he said.

The State Chief Executive reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the establishment of an appeal court in the state, adding that the necessary efforts would be made to ensure its actualization.

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According to him, “My Lord, the Chief Judge has talked about the Appeal Court. We are already working on it, and I want to assure her again and indeed the Judiciary community that we will work with the Chief Judge to do whatever we can to get approval and ensure that we provide the facility for an Appeal Court here in Akwa Ibom State.”

He expressed delight at the serene ambience of the High Court complex, describing it as befitting and a boost to the judiciary.

The governor commended the people of Onna for donating the land for the facility and their cooperation throughout the building process, which he said made the timely execution possible.

Earlier, the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, expressed appreciation to the State Government for approving the establishment of the Onna Judicial Division.

She particularly commended the former governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who initiated the Awa High Court Complex project, as well as Governor Umo Eno for seamlessly providing the funds to complete it in record time.

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The Chief Judge announced Justice Effiong Effiong as Administrator of the Onna Judicial Division, in addition to the Eket Division, where he presently holds jurisdiction, pending the appointment of new judges by the state government.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eket Chapter, Barrister Aniefiok Ekwere, thanked Governor Umo Eno for extending his A.R.I.S.E. Agenda drive to the Judiciary, thereby making the Awa Judicial Division a prime beneficiary, and assured of continued collaboration with the government for development.

In a related development, the governor made a brief stopover at the General Hospital, Awa, to assess the progress of work within the hospital complex where the Akwa Ibom State University Teaching Hospital, AKSUTH, will take off, and expressed satisfaction at the pace of work, saying that with the project’s progression, AKSUTH will commence services in June 2024.