Despite calls by most Cross Riverians and Nigerians for Governor Ben Ayade to swear in Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of Cross River State, arrangements have been concluded to swear in Justice Eyo Effiom Ita as the acting Chief Judge of the state, GRASSROOT REPORTERS reports
For about three months now, the office of Chief Judge had remained vacant following the expiration of the tenure of Justice Maurice Eneji, who was twice appointed as the acting Chief Judge.
Justice Eneji, who is alleged to be the preferred choice of Governor Ayade is the second most senior judge in the state, after Justice Ikpeme, whom the NJC had recommended to be sworn in as substantive CJ but was twice rejected by the state House of Assembly for being a non-indigene, hence, a security risk.
Justice Ita is the third most senior judge. He will be sworn in tomorrow, October 19, 2020 at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor's Office, Calabar.
In a press release on Sunday, the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Christian Ita said:
"In the exercise of his powers under section 271 (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), His Excellency, Professor Ben Ayade will Monday, October 19th, 2020, swear-in a new acting Chief Judge of the state.".
The release which did not reveal the name of the judge to be sworn-in, noted that: "this follows the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).".
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