New Legal Year: Cross River gov Urges Judiciary to Tackle Delayed Justice, seek collaboration for speedy trials

 Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has charged members of the Judiciary to prioritize timely dispensation of justice, embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and continuously upgrade their knowledge to meet the demands of modern legal practice.

The Governor gave the charge during the Thanksgiving Service to mark the commencement of the 2025/2026 Legal Year, held at the Assemblies of God Church, 31 Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar.

In a statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker; Matthew Okache, disclosed that the governor, Sen. Bassey Otu was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, 

In his remarks, Otu congratulated members of the Bar and Bench for the successful completion of the 2024/2025 Legal Year, commending their resilience and dedication. 

He emphasized that while breaks between legal years are important for reflection and planning, the Judiciary must remain conscious of the weight of public scrutiny it bears.

He said, “Legal practice is not just an occupation or vocation; it is a solemn service to humanity. Any lapse in the Judiciary negatively impacts society. As you draw up your agenda for the new Legal Year, issues like delayed justice, ADR, and up-skilling of judicial officers must be prioritized."

Highlighting concerns about frivolous adjournments and prolonged detentions, he cautioned that justice delayed amounts to justice denied, as accused persons often suffer undue hardship, urging closer collaboration between the Judiciary and investigative agencies like the Police Force to ensure speedy trials.

The Governor also lamented the growing number of young inmates in correctional facilities, attributing it partly to the underutilization of ADR mechanisms. He stressed that restorative justice and community service were viable alternatives that could decongest prisons while reforming offenders.

Speaking on government’s support for the Judiciary, Otu disclosed that his administration had approved the construction of nine new courts, reconstruction of the Ogoja Division High Court destroyed by fire, and the provision of new SUVs for judges. He also announced the resolution of longstanding disputes with 30 magistrates, who have now been placed on their proper salary grade levels with arrears being paid in phases.

"This administration had approved the construction of nine new courts, reconstruction of the Ogoja Division High Court destroyed by fire, and the provision of new SUVs for judges. Longstanding disputes with 30 magistrates have been resolved and they have now been placed on their proper salary grade levels with arrears being paid in phases", he added. 

Furthermore, the Governor revealed plans to renovate all court facilities across the state and either comprehensively renovate the State Judiciary Complex or construct a new multi-purpose hall, depending on the Judiciary’s preference.

“The Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary must work in harmony to guarantee purposeful governance in our democracy. My administration will continue to accord the Judiciary the attention it deserves in manpower and infrastructure,” he assured.