Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved an upward review of the monthly allocation to the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary and released N750m to settle accumulated debts owed over the years.
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Ekaette Fabian-Obot, disclosed this while declaring open the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the State Judiciary.
She explained that the first tranche of N500 million was released in March 2025, while the second tranche of N250 million was released in August.
In addition, the Governor also approved N300 million for capital projects within the Judiciary.
“We have paid, and are still paying, debts in accordance with the list prepared by the Accounts Department. The first tranche of N500 million has been exhausted, and we are now on the second batch of N250 million.
“Once this is expended, we hope further funds will be released so we can finally clear the debts incurred since 2014.
“For the payments made so far, we say thank you to the Governor. I assure you that not a kobo will be diverted until the debts for which the funds were approved are fully settled,” Justice Obot stated.
The Chief Judge further announced that Governor Eno had provided 12 luxury vehicles for Judges and two saloon cars for Chief Registrars to ease mobility and improve service delivery.
She noted that the upward review of monthly allocation has strengthened the Judiciary’s capacity in the training and retraining of Judges, Magistrates, Customary Court Chairmen, and other staff.
According to her, funds were also released for the rehabilitation of dilapidated court structures, including the Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division (High Court No. 1), where structural engineers have already been engaged and contracts awarded for reinforcement.
The Chief Judge disclosed that the judiciary generated N117m during the year, exceeding its approved provision by N18.9 m.
Obot added that the Governor has sponsored 16 Judicial Officers for foreign trainings and workshops, while also ensuring the timely release of funds for vacation allowances and participation in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference.
Meanwhile, the governor has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 additional staff into the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary.
The Governor made the announcement today during a church service in Uyo to usher in the 2025/2026 Legal Year of the State Judiciary.
He explained that the new staff will fill longstanding vacancies in the system, enabling the courts to expedite hearings and reduce prison congestion across the state.
Governor Eno stressed that all applications must go through the State Employment Portal, insisting that the process will be strictly merit-based.
“There will be no slot for anyone, no godfatherism. We believe that any average applicant seeking to join the civil service should be able to pass a simple computer-based test. We will work with the Judiciary to ensure a seamless process.” The Governor assured.
In addition, he pledged to provide more official vehicles for Judges and Magistrates to enhance their mobility and efficiency in dispensing justice.
