By Abasi Ita
Cross River State formally commenced the 2025/2026 legal year with a thanksgiving service at the Assemblies of God Church, Akim, Calabar, where Governor Prince Bassey Otu called for a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation and community service over punitive measures.
Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the governor stressed that restorative justice would reduce congestion in correctional facilities while fostering genuine reform among offenders. He described the thanksgiving service as a solemn tradition that places God at the center of judicial responsibilities and commended members of the Bar and Bench for their courage and dedication.
Governor Otu highlighted key concerns in the state’s justice system, including delays in trials, prolonged detentions, and the need for continuous training of judicial officers.
Otu emphasized that “justice delayed is justice denied” and announced several reforms, such as the approval for the construction of nine new courts across the state to ease congestion. He also disclosed that reconstruction work is ongoing at the fire-damaged High Court in Ogoja, while judges have received Special Utility Vehicles to aid mobility.
Further, the governor noted that a protracted dispute involving 30 magistrates has been resolved, with their salaries and arrears fully paid. He added that government plans to renovate all court facilities and is considering either an extensive upgrade of the Judiciary Complex or the construction of a new multi-purpose hall. “The judiciary, as one arm of the tripod of governance, will continue to enjoy deserved attention under my watch,” he assured.
In her remarks, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme, thanked the governor for his consistent support.
She noted that 20 vehicles had been provided to judges, including seven distributed this September, and highlighted achievements under her leadership such as the appointment of 15 new judges since May 2021 and a 45 percent revenue increase above the 2024 target. She however appealed for further infrastructural improvements, particularly the renovation of magistrate courts and the provision of a larger ceremonial hall.
The thanksgiving service featured scripture readings, choir renditions, and intercessory prayers. In his sermon titled “Gratitude to Jesus Christ Our Advocate”, Rev. Orok Nkebem of the Assemblies of God Church reminded the congregation that the law was made for sinners and affirmed Christ as humanity’s ultimate advocate.
The event was graced by top dignitaries, including Deputy Speaker Hon. Sylvester Agabi, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Chief of Staff Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, Attorney General Ededem Ani, and members of the diplomatic community.
The thanksgiving was followed by a formal court session at the Judiciary Headquarters, officially marking the start of the 2025/2026 legal year in Cross River State.