The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has urged the public to stop addressing her as “Chief Justice,” clarifying that the title belongs exclusively to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, currently held by Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving service at Qua Iboe Church, Uyo, to mark the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year, Obot explained that her correct designation is Chief Judge. “When you address me, it should be ‘Chief Judge Ekaete Obot,’ not ‘Chief Justice.’ The title ‘Chief Justice’ is reserved for the head of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. At the appellate level, we use ‘Justice,’ and at the state level, it is ‘Chief Judge,’” she clarified.

Obot also appealed to Governor Umo Eno for the regular release of funds to the judiciary, highlighting that the judiciary had been operating under severe financial constraints throughout 2023. She revealed that the judiciary is understaffed, as the last recruitment occurred in 2012.

“To cope with the shortage, we’ve had to assign one staff member to handle the duties of two or three people,” she said. Obot further disclosed that 316 staff members had retired in the last two years without replacements. “When skills are lost due to retirements without replacement, the system suffers. We hope that in this new legal year, the governor will allow us to recruit more staff.”

Obot called for better educational opportunities within correctional facilities, proposing the establishment of adult education programs to provide inmates with basic education and vocational skills. She also suggested creating a “Borstal Institute” to rehabilitate young offenders.

In response, Governor Umo Eno assured the judiciary of his administration’s cooperation in ensuring effective justice delivery. He promised to build a new estate for serving judges by early next year to match the standards of Rivers, Bayelsa, and Lagos States.
“We will acquire land and invite you to the groundbreaking ceremony for a new estate exclusively for serving judges. While retired judges already have their accommodations, we will continue to support them,” the governor stated.

Governor Eno also commended Justice Obot for her leadership, particularly in upholding justice and decongesting prisons. “I value the good working relationship we have with the judiciary, and we are committed to addressing any challenges they face in line with proper procedures,” he added.