House of Assembly Confirms Justice Edem as C’River Chief Judge

Bassey Inyang in Calabar
The Cross River State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Justice Michael Edem, as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.
Justice Edem’s confirmation was made on Tuesday following a request to that effect by the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade, who appointed him as chief judge of the state in March this year.

Commenting on Justice Edem confirmation, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. John Gaul Lebo, tasked him to be steadfast in the discharge of his duties as the head of the judicial arm of the state.
Lebo told the chief judge of the state that the task before him was herculean.

However, the speaker said he optimistic that with the intellectual depth of chief judge, there was no doubts that he has the capability of handling the affairs of the judicial arm of government in the state.
The speaker said the House of Assembly, being one of the arms of government will continue to support the legislature in the state carry out its constitutional responsibility.

Ayade had appointed Justice Edem as acting chief judge of the state following the death of the former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Okoi Ikpi Itam in March this year.

Ayade had tasked Justice Edem to use his new position to drive reforms in the state judiciary.
“We are witnessing the ascension into power of a man with energy, great understanding of literature and poetry of life, an impartial judge,” Ayade said, while swearing in Justice Edem whose appointment, he said, was in line with Section 271(4), of the 1999 Constitution.

The governor had also charged Justice Edem “to bring the needed reforms to the judiciary, as well as ensure closer relationship between the executive and the judiciary while setting a new standard for a higher elevation.”

Ayade who described the acting C.J as ‘Power Mike’ who is “filled with strength and stamina,” said: “I am confident that you will trash out some outstanding cases that have been pending for too long.”

The governor enjoined Justice Edem to be guided by his declaration and oath of office which states that he will not allow his personal interest to influence his official decision or actions that will not be in the Interest of the common man.”

He added: “This is the time that Cross River will roll out her drums to celebrate a new man who comes with swagger, character and energy.”

Continuing, Ayade said by virtue of his appointment, Cross Riverians would see peace, love, tranquility, noting that Justice Edem’s great intellect will direct and take Cross River to higher heights as the number four man in the state.