Governor Eno Commends Akwa Ibom Judiciary, As Chief Judge urged Application of AI in Nigeria's Justice system
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The Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary, under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian F. Obot, for the robust relationship that has existed between the Executive and the Judiciary since the inception of his administration.
The Governor made the commendation in an address delivered by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, during a thanksgiving service held as part of the activities marking the opening of the new 2026/2027 Legal Year of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary. The service held at the Insight Bible Church, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo.
Governor Eno said his administration was committed to strengthening the existing relationship between the two arms of government, noting that this commitment was reflected in the various projects embarked upon by the State Government to cater to the needs of Judges and strengthen the Judiciary.
He enumerated some of the projects to include the 50-unit modern residential facility known as the Judiciary Quarters, which, according to him, would be commissioned and formally handed over to the Judiciary in the course of the new Legal Year.
He also disclosed that a new Court of Appeal complex is currently under construction in Uyo to ensure easier access to justice at the appellate level. He said the project would also be commissioned and handed over to the President of the Court of Appeal within the 2027 Legal Year.
Furthermore, the Governor also disclosed that earlier in the year, a law was passed establishing the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), which would become operational in the course of the new Legal Year.
In her remarks, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian F. Obot, expressed gratitude to God for His mercies throughout 2026, while expressing strong faith that God would continue to protect and preserve the Judiciary and the people in the new Legal Year. Justice Obot particularly thanked the Governor for listening and catering to the needs of the Judiciary.
Speaking at the occasion, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia of the Insight Bible Church urged Judges to remain conscious, in all their dealings, of the existence of a greater Judge above who would ultimately bring all works to judgment.
He further implored judicial officers to remember that behind every case file is a human being who might neither have the resources nor the connections to influence the course of justice in his or her favour. He therefore emphasised the need for those entrusted with the administration of justice to act and speak for the weak.
As part of the activities lined up for the opening of the new Legal Year, the Chief Judge had earlier called for the application of Artificial Intelligence in transforming the administration of justice in Nigeria, while cautioning that the technology must remain “the servant of justice, not its master.”
Justice Fabian-Obot stated this in her address titled, “Justice in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Transforming Nigeria’s Justice Sector through the Efficient Use of Artificial Intelligence,” delivered while declaring open a public lecture on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The Chief Judge noted that the Judiciary could not afford to remain isolated from the rapid technological developments reshaping virtually every sector of society. She stressed, however, that the adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the justice sector must be guided by judicial values, ethical considerations, transparency, and the need to preserve the independence and integrity of the judicial process.
According to her, Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve efficiency in the administration of justice by assisting with legal research, case management, transcription, documentation and other routine processes. She nevertheless emphasised that technology should complement, rather than replace, the judgment, discretion and responsibility of judicial officers.
Justice Fabian-Obot maintained that the ultimate purpose of every technological innovation introduced into the justice system must be to enhance access to justice, improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the Judiciary.
The public lecture, which formed part of the activities marking the new Legal Year, had as its theme, “Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Judicial Reforms in Nigeria.” The lecture was chaired by Professor Enefiok Essien, while the Chief Judge of Borno State, Hon. Justice Kashim Zannah, delivered the keynote lecture.
Justice Ekaete Obot also used the occasion to reflect on the responsibilities of the Judiciary in the new Legal Year and reaffirmed the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary to continuous reform, innovation and the efficient delivery of justice to the people of the State.
