The Cross River State Governor Sen Bassey Edet Otu, has cautioned judges that the judiciary needs to re-invent itself through self-cleansing procedure.
Issuing out the cautioned at the swearing-in of three new judges in Calabar, Gov. Otu calls on them to restore hope in the judiciary.
The newly appointed High Court Judges in the state include Hon. Justice Ama Edet Ekpo, Hon. Justice Theresa Ansa Agom and Hon. Justice Jarlath Ogar Agim.
Otu said: “The principle of separation of powers between the three arms of government is purely for checks and balances and not for opposition and friction.”
“At a time the judiciary nationwide is under unbridled public criticism; a lot of judicial expertise is expected from you.”
He noted that the debate on the veracity or otherwise of the public claims rages on.
“The undisputed fact remains that the judiciary needs to re-invent itself through self-cleansing procedure,” he added.
The Governor warned the National Judicial Council of Nigeria (NJCN) not to relent in banging the gavel on erring judicial officers.
He said they must therefore live above board to rekindle the faith and trust of the common man in the judiciary.
“The current symbiotic relationship between the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary in the State is therefore worthy of commendation.”
He added: “May I therefore sue for more of this cooperation for the good of the State.”
The Governor called on the judges to assist the society in decongesting the Correctional Centres through effective use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Earlier, the State Chief Judge, Justice Akon Ikpeme, told the judges “You are coming into an arena which requires integrity, impartiality and efficiency.”
“I charge you to give judgement with fairness and according to the Rule of the law,” she advised the newly elevated judges.
She added: “As you take your oath this afternoon, don’t just recite it as anything, listen to the wordings of the oath and keep to it.”
Justice Ikpeme cautioned them to discharge their duties with the fear of God and in accordance to the rule of the law.
The Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, House of Assembly Speaker Elvert Ayambem, members of the State Executive Council, Elder statesmen, members of the traditional council and the clergy attended the swearing-in ceremony on Monday.