IKOM MURDER CASE: NDDC Commissioner Orok Duke Calls for Judicial Reform in Cross River State

By Missang AKPET 

The Commissioner representing Cross River State on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board RT. Hon. Orok Otu Duke, has emphasized the need for a functional and efficient justice system as a cornerstone of true progress.

Reacting to a government press release which exposed significant delays in a high-profile murder trial stalled since 2023 due to systemic failures, including an absent police prosecutor and a 17-month delay by a court registrar, Dr. Duke commended the state Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu's for his swift intervention, demonstrating his commitment to the rule of law.

Duke argued that development cannot be defined solely by infrastructure, but also by a functional justice system, ensuring citizens' safety and access to justice.

The Commissioner outlined plans to collaborate with the State Government to strengthen the justice sector, including digitization of court records, capacity-building workshops, and infrastructure support for the judiciary.

"The administrative and infrastructural gaps within the judiciary are as critical to address as any physical infrastructure deficit.

"In my opinion, a proactive vision is needed. As a Cross Riverian, I will use my position to bring federal attention and NDDC support to initiatives that will strengthen the justice sector in Cross River State and the wider Niger Delta.

"My office will be exploring avenues for collaboration with the State Government to advocate for targeted interventions. 

"This could include support for the digitization of court records to prevent the kind of procedural failure we witnessed, capacity-building workshops for court staff, and potentially, infrastructure support for the judiciary.

"Ensuring Cross River State benefits from its share of federal development resources means investing in all pillars of a stable society, and justice is the most crucial one" he said.