NJC Approves Extension Of C'River Ag. Chief Judge, Justice Eneji’s Appointment As Acting Chief Judge

Justice Eneji ( Left) and Ayade (right)

National Judicial Council (NJC) has approved the extension of the appointment of Justice Maurice Eneji as the Acting Chief Judge of Cross River State by another three months.

This was made public by the Special Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade on Media and Publicity, Christian Ita, on Tuesday night.

Mr. Ita said the approval was contained in a letter to the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, dated May 29, 2020 and signed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dr I.T. Muhammed.

According to him, the NJC letter stated that the extension of Justice Eneji’s appointment shall take effect from June 3rd, 2020 and end on September 2nd, 2020 in accordance with the provisions of Section 217(5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The statement added"Consequently, His Excellency the governor, Sir Ben Ayade has approved the extension of the appointment of Justice Eneji as the state Acting Chief Judge by three months".

Justice Eneji was first appointed on the 3rd of March, 2020 after the state House of Assembly failed to confirm Justice Akon Ikpeme as substantive Chief Judge on grounds that she is not from Cross River State even though she is married to a man from the state.

Justice Ikpeme, whose mother is from Cross River State is the most senior judge in the state.

On Tuesday, the State House of Assembly reaffirmed its earlier decision not to confirm Justice Ikpeme.