Justice Maurice Eneji has been appointed as Cross River Acting Chief Judge following the House of Assembly’s refusal to confirm the National Judicial Committee ’s recommended nominee, Justice Akon Ikpeme.The Cross River State Government’s case is simple.
The lawmakers shifted the Chief Judge’s confirmation till March 2, 2020, the day Justice Ikpeme’s acting tenure was to elapse.Following Ikpeme’s rejection, Governor Ben Ayade swore in Justice Eneji as the new acting Chief Judge on March 3, 2020, without a second recourse to the National Judicial Council .Accepting his new office, Justice Eneji said: “My appointment came to me as a beautiful surprise. I am coming to the office with a mind to listen.
His deputy, Godwin Akwaji representing Obudu State Constituency, was alleged to have endorsed the second report signed by six members of the seven-member Judiciary Committee that urged members not to confirm her. But Justice Ikpeme found support on the issue of indigeneship, in a member representing Odukpani State Constituency, Bassey Asuquo.Although the governor of a state has been vested with the power to appoint the Chief Judge, he shares the power with the NJC in recommending suitable persons and the state house of assembly in confirming the appointment.
But the Cross River State Government believes its appointment of Justice Eneji was in order and that the lawmakers acted lawfully. “This absurdity and naked injustice and prejudice must not be allowed to stand,” NBA President, Paul Usoro, said in a statement.Ukweni said: “Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme was born here, married a Cross Riverian and bore her children here. Her father was the permanent secretary in Cross River and retired here.
He said: “I believe that under and by virtue of Section 159 and 153 of the 1999 Constitution the National Judicial Council has the ultimate power in the recommendation for appointment of judicial officers for a state.
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Source: DailyPostNGR - 🏆 11. / 59 Read more »
Source: DailyPostNGR - 🏆 11. / 59 Read more »