By Lawrence Mpama
The governor of Cross River state, Senator Bassey Otu has felicitated with the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Akon Ikpeme on the occasion of her birthday.
In a birthday message to the State Chief Judge, dated October 21, 2024, the governor wrote: “On behalf of the government and people of Cross River State, I want to extend my warmest birthday felicitations to you on this special day.
“As the Chief Judge of our state, you have exemplified excellence, integrity, and dedication in your service to the judiciary and the people of Cross River. Your unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all is commendable.
Through your leadership, our state has witnessed remarkable progress in the dispensation of justice, and your contributions are greatly appreciated. Your wisdom, fairness, and impartiality have earned you the respect and admiration of all.
“As you celebrate another year of life, I pray that the Almighty God continues to bless you with good health, wisdom, and strength to carry out your duties and responsibilities effectively. May you continue to be a shining example to others, and may your legacy live on for generations to come.
“Once again, happy birthday, and I wish you many more years of joy, peace, and fulfillment,” he concluded.
Hon Justice Akon Ikpeme was born on 21st October, 1959, and clocks 65th today.
The sexagenarian attended Holy Trinity Anglican School, Calabar, where she obtained her First School Leaving Certificate with Distinction. She also attended Union Secondary School, Ibiaku and came out with Grade One, and thereafter proceeded to Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene for her ‘A’ Levels, where she passed all her papers in one sitting.
The legal luminary later proceeded to University of Lagos where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Law (LLB Hons). She proceeded to the Nigerian Law School Lagos and was called to bar in 1981 with a Second Class (Upper Division). She started her career as a State Counsel in the Ministry of Justice, Cross River State. She grew through the ranks to become the Cross River State Director of Public Prosecution. From there, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Cross River State in 1998. She was sworn in as the Chief Judge of Cross River State on the 8th of February, 2021.
