By Asuquo Cletus and Juliet Obasessam
The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced plans to recruit 1,000 staff into the state judiciary as part of efforts to strengthen the justice system and ensure speedy dispensation of cases.
The disclosure came during the official opening of the 2025/2026 legal year, which was marked with a special inter-denominational church service attended by top government functionaries, judicial officers, and religious leaders in Uyo.
Governor Umo Eno made the announcement yesterday at The Believers Assembly (Evang) Nigeria, where he pledged his administration’s continuous support for the judiciary.
He said the new recruitment exercise was designed to fill vacant positions and boost manpower in the judiciary, which will in turn help decongest correctional facilities in the state. According to him, the process will be carried out through the state’s employment portal in a transparent manner without political influence.
“This is aimed at ensuring that we have more hands to expedite court processes so that those who breached or violated the law are tried speedily and those adjudged innocent released to pursue their legitimate tasks. This will eventually lead to the decongestion of our prisons,” Eno said.
The Governor further revealed that provisions had been made in the 2026 budget for the construction of Evidence Rooms in selected police stations in Uyo, to aid criminal investigations and enhance justice delivery.
While commending the State Chief Judge, Ekaette Obot, for maintaining a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm, he assured the judiciary of continuous collaboration, adding that his administration would sustain peace and order in the state by respecting the principle of separation of powers.
Earlier in his sermon, the Prelate of Believers Assembly, Prof. Isaiah Isong, called for the enthronement of the rule of law, urging judges and lawyers to remain ministers of truth and defenders of justice.
In her remarks, Justice Obot appreciated Governor Eno for creating a conducive environment for judicial officers, especially through the building of a Judiciary Village and other welfare packages. She pledged continuous partnership with the government for peace, justice, and development in the state.
