Governor Godswill
Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has called on judges in the state to eliminate delay in the dispensation of justice through effective cooperation with security agencies.
Akpabio made the call at a meeting with key officers of the state’s judiciary, House of Assembly Committee on Justice and Public Petitions in Uyo
Also at the meeting were officials of the police office in-charge of legal and state Anti-Robbery Squad.
He said that an effective relationship between the judiciary and security agencies would enhance the prosecution of cases and check the suffering of innocent persons awaiting trial.
The governor maintained that his administration would address the inadequacies militating against quick dispensation of justice.
“The judiciary is the last hope of the common man and our judges need to live up to expectation.
“I understand that there are lots of challenges in the administration of civil and criminal litigations but we have to put in more efforts to ensure that there is quick dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor noted that consistent interactive session between judges and key officials of security agencies would help in improving the situation.
The state’s Chief Judge, Justice Idongesit Ntem-Isua, said that an interactive session would enhance the relationship between the judiciary, executive and security agencies in the state.
Ntem-Isua thanked the governor for calling the meeting, adding that the judiciary would continue to partner with the state government in its transformation agenda.
The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Ekpenyong Ntekim, noted that the meeting was to address issues that militated against smooth administration of justice in the state.
“Basically, we have looked at a number of areas, ranging from congestion of the court, inadequate court facilities and general funding of the judiciary.
“Hopefully, when these are brought to bear, we are going to have smooth operations in the justice system,” Ntekim said.