It is with shock and total disbelief that I read the rejection by the Cross River State House of Assembly of the nomination of Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme as the substantive Chief Judge (CJ) of the State on the frivolous and mischievous grounds that her confirmation will pose a security risk, because she hails from Akwa Ibom State, though married to an indigene of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The discriminatory action of the Cross River State House of Assembly is not only barbaric, but has aided the Governor of Cross River State, Sir (Sen) (Prof) Ben Ayade in setting a bad precedent that will not mean well now and in the future of the democracy of the State.
It is saddening and totally unacceptable that Justice Akon Ikpeme, a woman who has given over 40 years of illustrious service to the Government of Cross River State, whose father was a District Officer in the old South-Eastern/Cross River State and rose to become a Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service and whose mother hails from Big Qua, Calabar, can be denied a position she is ably qualified for on the ground of her nativity.
Rather than being objects of discrimination, women who found love outside their places of origin and marry into other States should be encouraged to succeed and should be accepted whole heartedly, not treated in this shabby way especially for a woman who through hardwork has placed herself in a position where other women look up to her as a mentor, her rejection for this reason will serve as discouragement to other women married into Cross River State and other States from contributing their own quota to the advancement of the States in the future.
I urge us to always encourage women who have against all odds and through hardwork and dedication come to such enviable positions and give them what they deserve on the altar of merit.
I call on His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Sir (Prof) Ben Ayade who is a lawyer, to look beyond sentiments, promote justice, equity and good conscience. He should uphold true democracy and meritocracy.
Let’s always stand for fairness, justice and truth in any and every circumstance.
MRS. JOYCE ODUAH, FICMC.
Notary Public
Former National Treasurer, NBA 2012-2014
Social Secretary, NBA Lagos, 2009-2011.
Publicity Secretary, NBA Lagos, 2007-2009.
1st Asst. Secretary, NBA Lagos, 2000-2002.
