A non-governmental organization, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, to urgently address the critical underfunding and poor infrastructure plaguing the state judiciary. During a media parley marking the end-of-year activities of the Centre, its director, Mr. Franklyn Isong, highlighted the need for immediate renovation of courts across the state’s 31 local government areas and the recruitment of judiciary personnel to enhance efficiency.
CHRAN expressed concern over the dilapidated state of court facilities, including broken toilets, outdated fittings, and non-functional water systems. “The judiciary is an essential pillar of democracy, and the current state of our courts undermines justice delivery,” Isong stated, urging the government to prioritise these issues in the coming year.
The organization also drew attention to the abandoned divisional library on Udotung Ubo Street, which now houses the Akwa Ibom State Library Board. Established during the defunct South Eastern State’s military administration, the library is now a shadow of its former self. CHRAN advocated for its revitalization alongside the dormant Ibom e-Library, which has ceased functioning as an effective resource centre.
Economic disruptions caused by the prolonged closure of the Calabar-Itu Highway also came under scrutiny. CHRAN lamented the hardships residents and motorists face due to the ongoing construction of Tabernacle Road and the flood control project, urging contractors and the supervising ministry to expedite the work.
While lauding the enactment of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law by the previous administration, CHRAN noted its partial enforcement. It called on the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Internal Security to ensure full implementation across the state to prevent cattle grazing on farmlands.
