By Mary Emmanuel
UYO-The Akwa Ibom government has reiterated its commitment to commission and hand over 50 modern residential units built for judges along the Third Ring Road, as well as a new Court of Appeal complex in Uyo, within the new Legal Year.
Governor Umo Eno stated this on Sunday, during the Thanksgiving Service marking the commencement of the 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary at Insight Bible Church, Uyo.
Represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Eno said the interventions reflected his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for judicial officers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Eno noted that with the significant developments in the justice sector was aimed at strengthening the Judiciary and improving access to justice.
He commended the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaette Obot, and members of the Judiciary for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the Executive, noting that the collaboration had contributed to the stability and peaceful atmosphere in the State.
According to him, the welfare of judicial officers remained a priority of the administration, stressing that government support would be provided while preserving the independence of the Judiciary. He described the new judiciary quarters as a response to the need for safe, secure and befitting accommodation for judges, adding that the Court of Appeal facility would bring appellate justice closer to the people of the State.
Eno further revealed that the newly established Office of the Public Defender would commence operations during the 2026/2027 Legal Year.
He explained that the initiative, backed by legislation enacted earlier in the year, was designed to improve access to legal services for indigent citizens and other vulnerable members of society.
The governor assured the Judiciary of the continued partnership of his administration in strengthening the rule of law and promoting an efficient justice system, while calling for sustained collaboration among the various arms of government and relevant institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Obot, charged judicial officers to uphold integrity, fairness and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
She said the administration of justice demanded strict adherence to the principles of fairness and the rule of law, regardless of the status or influence of litigants.
Obot appreciated the state government for its interventions in judicial infrastructure and the welfare of judicial officers, describing the support as important to the effective functioning of the Judiciary. She prayed for a successful and impactful 2026/2027 Legal Year.
In his sermon, titled “Thanksgiving That God Accepts,” the Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia, challenged leaders and people in positions of authority to make justice, compassion and responsible leadership central to their service to God and humanity.
Drawing from biblical passages, including Zechariah 7:7–14, Ukafia urged those in authority to remain willing to listen to God and respond to correction.
He maintained that the administration of justice should not be determined by wealth, social standing, political influence or personal interests.
The cleric also urged leaders to show mercy and compassion to vulnerable members of society, noting that the treatment of people without power or influence remained an important reflection of the quality of justice in any society.
He said genuine thanksgiving should go beyond words and ceremonies to produce a renewed commitment to justice, compassion, protection of the vulnerable and responsible stewardship.
The thanksgiving service, which featured prayers for the Federal and State Governments, the Nigerian economy, security and national stability, as well as the Judiciary, attracted judicial officers, members of the Bar, government officials, religious leaders and other stakeholders