Ben Ayade, governor of Cross River State has sworn in Justice Maurice Eneji as the acting Chief Judge of the state contrary to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
NJC is the body responsible for the recommendation, promotion and discipline of judges in Nigeria, and an appointment is done based on the recommendation of the NJC.
The swearing of Justice Eneji as the Acting Chief Judge took place after a heated and controversial session of the state House of Assembly on Monday which refused to swear in Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of the state over her ethnicity.
According to reports, Justice Ikpeme was denied the position of the Chief Judge over fears that being from Akwa Ibom State, appointing her the chief judge may constitute security risk in Cross Rivers state.
Governor Ayade stated that swearing-in Eneji was a crucial move as law and nature abhor vacuum.
He said,
“I urge you to dispense justice without fear or favour, you have to fair. The law is blind and should not be sensitive to religion, ethnicity, colour or any other affiliation.
“We ask that the judiciary under your watch should be very exemplary and should be such that every other state would like to emulate. We know your background and believe that you are competent and capable and worthy of this office.
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“Cross River State is known for fairness, equity and we are opposed to anything repugnant to natural justice. Our people are not known for bias and prejudices,” the governor added.
Eneji, responding to his appointment expressed elation and pledged to establish a number of reforms that would aide justice delivery in the state.
“My appointment came to me as a beautiful surprise. I am coming to the office with a mind to listen. The sacred duty of a judge is to listen before adjudicating. I will listen to ensure that justice is served at all times.”