The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has admonished judges in the country to strive towards peace and unity through fair administration of justice across the nation.
According to a statement by his media aide, Anietie Ekong, in Abuja yesterday, Akpabio advised Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at a special thanksgiving event held in honor of Hon. Justice Ntong Festus Ntong on his elevation to the Court of Appeal.
The statement quoted Akpabio as saying, “The core of Nigeria’s problem is injustice. Where there is injustice, there can never be peace. May God continue to use our judicial officers as vessels for justice for this country and the global community.”
Akpabio hailed Justice Ntong as a courageous Judge who has distinguished himself in the legal profession and urged him to continue to dispense justice with the highest level of integrity.
He praised Justice Ntong’s contributions to the nation’s judicial system and urged aspiring lawyers to emulate his exemplary qualities.
Akpabio said, “My Lord, (Justice Ntong), you are a pride to Akwa Ibom State and the legal profession. I urge you to continue to uphold this high ethical standard at the Court of Appeal, as Akwa Ibom is very proud of you.
“After Justice Udo Udoma exited the Supreme Court as a Governor, I was very worried because after his demise, no other person from Akwa Ibom State was at the apex court, yet we have very intelligent brains in the legal profession.
“I prayed to God to grant me the one request that before the end of my tenure as Governor, another Akwa Ibom son or daughter should be elevated to the apex court, and God granted me this request through the elevation of Justice Inyang Okoro to the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
“Justice Ntong, you are not going to be the only one. There will be many others after you so that Akwa Ibom State will continue to give justice to Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Justice of the Supreme Court and Chairman of the occasion, Justice Inyang Okoro, lauded the Nigerian legislature for the improved salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria.
He charged the celebrant to uphold the highest integrity level in his new office.
In his response, Justice Ntong expressed gratitude to his well-wishers who graced the event.
He noted that their support has motivated him to continue his selfless and impeccable service to his people and the nation at large.
Justice Ntong’s elevation comes after a decade of distinguished service in the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, marked by achievements that inspire others in the legal profession.
