The Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its readiness to address issues militating against the speedy dispensation of justice and smooth operation of judiciary system in the state.

Governor Godswill Akpabio made this known during an enlarged meeting of key officers of the Judiciary system, members of House of Assembly Committee on Justice and Public Petitions, Police Office in-Charge of Legal and State Anti-Robbery Squad at the Governor’s Lodge, held Monday in Uyo, the state capital. He assured that his administration would address the inadequacies militating against quick dispensation of justice for the mutual benefit of the three arms of government.

The governor observed that the prosecution of many cases in the state has been slowed down by judiciary budgeting and other impediments, saying that interacting with key operators would enable government to seek better ways to improve the operations of the system in the state.

He lauded judiciary officers for their good performance despite the inadequacies in the sector, and implored them to ensure that justice was done, adding that it was better for one criminal to be set free than for hundreds of innocent people to suffer a crime they did not commit.

In his speech, the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Idongesit Ntem-Isua, commended Governor Akpabio for convening the meeting. He expressed optimism that the interaction would advance the cause of judiciary operations and justice dispensation in the state.

Justice Ntem-Isua assured the governor that the judiciary would continue to collaborate with the executive and the legislative arms of government for the transformation of the state.

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, while fielding questions from Government House Press Corps after the meeting, said the meeting was necessitated by the need to enhance efficient and smooth operations of the judiciary system, assured that the State government has adopted measures that would ensure the successful and smooth operations of the judiciary system in the state.

According to him, “Certain steps have been taken and to be implemented, certain committees have been setup to ensure the implementation these policies. Also the budgetary provision of the judiciary would also be looked into by the legislative arm with a view to enhancing their operation generally.

“There was no conflict between the executive and the judiciary. Issues that related to the three arms of government were smoothly addressed. All these arms of government belong to the same government, so you cannot be in conflict with yourself.”

•Photo of another event involving the Governor, shows Chief Akpabio presenting a souvenir to the Rear Admiral Harry Ngonadi, Flag Officer, Commanding Eastern Naval Command, during a courtesy call at the Governor’s Iffice, Uyo.