Plans have reached the advanced stage for the construction of a new correctional facility in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State with the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo expected in the State for a flag-off ceremony.
Similarly, a new estate, exclusively meant to serve judges in the State, is to be constructed soon.
Governor Umo Eno who disclosed these in his message at Qua Iboe Church, Nwaniba Road, Uyo, during a service to mark the opening of the 2024/2025 legal year in the State, also announced that the immediate past Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Julius Ezugwu has been appointed as the consultant for the project.
“Let me pause and thank the immediate past Comptroller of the Correctional Services in the State.
“I have offered you a post as a consultant to the new correctional Centre that we are about to build so that instead of going back home, you stay and finish the project you started.
“When people do well, the world notices what you do. Sometimes it is always gratifying to just pause and say thank you.”
The Governor said the relocation of the Uyo Correctional Facility was a fulfilment of his earlier promise to the officers of the service, in view of the poor state of the current facility and the peculiarities in its current location.
“I remember the number of times you reached out to me to talk about what you need. I told you that place will never accommodate you. Of course, it was being ravaged by erosion, and we worked tirelessly to get the federal government’s approval to relocate the prison from behind the Chief Judge’s new residence.
“It is important to say that in a few days, the Honourable Minister for Interior will be back here for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new Correctional Centre that we will put in place to help people so that while they are in detention, they will learn a trade and get some training, which will become part of moulding them for the society”.
The Governor commended the State Chief Judge for effectively piloting the affairs of the judiciary in the State.
“I must say that I have had a very good working relationship with His Lordship. Thank you so much for your understanding of all of the things you do and the way you do them.
“Let me again express our profound appreciation for the robust relationship that we have enjoyed with the Judiciary arm of Government, especially considering our avowed determination to rid our State of criminal elements and secure the peace and wellbeing of our people.
“I am aware of the reforms that His Lordship has introduced to reduce the backlog of criminal cases awaiting prosecution. I know a lot more efforts should be put into this so that those who disturb public peace will be tried and convicted accordingly, while those who are innocent are set free.”
“It is heartwarming to note that every year, we subject the activities of the new Legal calendar to God and ask for direction and guidance
The Governor who wished them well on the new legal year, harped on the need for speed in delivering justice to help decongest the correctional facilities (prisons).
The Governor re-emphasized his readiness to work collaboratively with the Judiciary to ensure that all issues that are due to the Judiciary are addressed promptly.
He appreciated the award on him by the State’s Chief Judge and announced plans for a fresh exclusive estate for judges in the State.
He said the Emily Estate which is undergoing construction, has also been made to accommodate some other public servants, hence his decision to start a new estate that will be exclusive to the judges and other judiciary workers.
“My intention in the Mini Estate was to have a modern Estate for Judges only. But right now, because of the pressure on the Governor, other senior public servants were given accommodations there. But I have discussed with you that I am thinking that we go back to our original plan.
Earlier, the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette F. Obot, had appreciated the Governor for playing a pivotal role in the growth and development of the judiciary in the State.
She described the event as an appreciation of God’s grace throughout the preceding year, and further expressed optimism that with the positive impact on the various sectors of the State, the 2024/2025 Legal Year will be the best for the Akwa Ibom Judiciary.
The General Superintendent and Chairman of Conference of the Qua Iboe Church, Nigeria, Rev Ekpedeme Moffat Efanga, in his homily, “Divine Remembrance” culled from Nehemiah 5:13-19, said in the eyes of God and man, everyone will be remembered for their deeds, be it good or evil, as he urged the legal practitioners, both the lawyers judges, to endeavour to utilize their opportunities for the good of mankind.
Highpoints of the event were the presentation of the Judiciary Award of Excellence and Outstanding Performance to the Governor by the Chief Judge, and awards of Innovative and Impactful Service to the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and immediate past State Comptroller of Nigeria Corrections Service, Mr Julius Ezugwu, as well as prayers for the 2024/2025 Legal Year, integrity of the Courts and the Nigerian nation.