Breaking News: C'River Assembly Reject Justice Akon Ikpeme As Substantive Chief Judge

Justice Ikpeme

The Cross River State House of Assembly on Monday rejected the confirmation of Justice Akon Ikpeme as substantive Chief Judge of the state.

In a voice vote, the House declined her confirmation after it rejected two parallel reports from the judicial committee of the house.

In one of the reports, the Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Efa Esua recommended Justice Akon for confirmation while the other report by Godwin Akwaji, member representing Obudu state constituency rejected her confirmation on grounds that she is not from Cross River State.

As a result of the impasse, the House after extensive deliberations on both reports constituted themselves into committee of the whole house which ultimately rejected her confirmation in a voice vote.

In his contribution during plenary, Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, member representing Bakassi, cautioned the House against setting a bad precedence.

“This is my fifth year in the House and I have never seen two reports by a committee being presented to the House. The House has to be on the side of justice at all times and avoid setting a bad precedence.

“We need to strengthen institutions and avoid sowing seeds of ethnicity and disunity in the House,” he said.

Also speaking, Itam Abang from Boki state constituency, said never in the history of the House had two reports been presented.

“Never in the history of the House have we had two reports. It’s very sad that in the 21st century we are whipping up ethnic sentiments. It’s wrong to whip up ethnic sentiments because we have children and don’t know where they will be married.

“She gave the state her productive years and rejecting her on account of her origin is injustice of the highest order,” she said

On his part, Francis Bassey Asuquo representing Odukpani state constituency, said Akon is from his constituency Odukpani and his people are proud of her.

He added that states were created for administrative convenience and Akon’s record of service was impeccable.

However, Chris Ogar from Etung state constituency, who read the parallel report said her confirmation would constitute a conflict of interest because she is from Akwa Ibom.

He urged the House to withhold her confirmation because it would not be in the best interest of Cross River State.

Justice Ikpeme's tenure as acting Chief Judge expires today. She is married to Dr. Bassey Ikpeme, a medical doctor from Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.