The Cross River State House of Assembly has finally confirmed Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of the state after initially rejecting her twice.
She was confirmed on Thursday at the state House of Assembly in Calabar, following a motion moved by the Leader of the House and representative of Ogoja Constituency, Peter Odey, and seconded by Chief Whip, Okon Ephraim.
Governor Ben Ayade’s letter requesting her confirmation as the substantive Chief Judge of the state was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Bassey Ekpenyong before a motion was moved.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Eteng Williams said, “The Assembly just did its job. We got new facts. We got documents that we needed. We’ve done our own findings”.
He also noted that Ikpeme is expected to discharge her duty without fear or prejudice.
Speaking on the initial rejection of the Chief Judge, Peter Odey, who moved the motion for Ikpeme’s confirmation, said, “It was the decision of the House at that time not to confirm her. And it is the decision of the House of Assembly to confirm her today. The House has done the needful and that chapter is now behind us. I wish Cross River judiciary well.”