The controversy that trailed the refusal of the Cross River State House of Assembly to confirm National Judicial Commission’s nomination of Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge of the state has come to an end with the House finally confirming her as CJ today, www.calitown.com can reveal.
When Ikpeme first appeared before the state House of Assembly on March 2, 2020, her nomination was rejected by the state lawmakers on the horrendous grounds that though she is married to an indigene of the state, she is from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State by birth and thus constitutes a security risk.
Ikpeme’s confirmation we were authoritatively informed, is not unconnected to subtle pressure put on state governor, Ben Ayade, by prominent persons within and outside the state, to do the right thing and not jeopardize seniority in judicial office ascension in the state. Former CR Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Eyo Ekpo, appears to buttress this information when in reaction to today’s appointment of Ikpeme, wrote; “We should also give thanks to whoever it was that played an instrumental role in persuading the high and mighty to come round to the idea of letting the practice and traditions of the Judiciary and the nomination of the National Judicial Council prevail. They may never be known but I am certain that they are their in the background and have played their roles extremely well.”
She will be sworn-in on a date to be announced by the state government.
