Historic feat recorded as Nigerian governor swears in first female chief judge
- A Nigerian woman has made history as she was sworn in as the first female chief judge in the history of Cross River state
- Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme was sworn in by Governor Ben Ayade in a ceremony at Calabar
- The governor described Justice Ikpeme as the most qualified professional for the position
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History was recently made in Cross River as Justice Akon Bassey Ikpeme was sworn in by Governor Ben Ayade as the state's first female chief judge.
In a report by Channels TV, Justice Ikpeme is the first substantive chief judge of the state in nearly two years.
The swearing-in of the chief judge was witnessed by members of the judicial arm of government from far and near at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office in Calabar, the state capital.
Source: Twitter
According to Ayade, Justice Ikpeme is the most qualified professional for the position. While urging her to ensure that justice is guaranteed for all, the governor said Justice Ikpeme's emergence would guarantee the independence and stability of the judiciary.
In her remarks, Justice Ikpeme promised to work in unity with both the legislative and executive arm of government.
Ayade sacks 30 magistrates
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Governor Ayade ordered the sack of 30 magistrates who protested against the non-payment of their 24-month salaries.
The resignation of the magistrates was contained in a letter signed on behalf of the acting chief judge of the state, Eyo Effiom Ita by Chief Registrar Edem N. Okokon.
It was stated that since the state was unable to pay them from their engagement date on February 2019, they had been withdrawn from sitting in any court till further notice.
Magistrate collapses while protesting in Cross River
In a related development, a magistrate who was taking part in a protest on Tuesday, January 5, collapsed in front of the governor’s office in Calabar.
The magistrate, Richard Edet, joined his colleagues at the protest venue over the non-payment of their 24 months salaries when the incident occurred.
Fortunately, he was revived by other magistrates with milk and water.
Source: Legit.ng
