The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, has called for strict adherence to the rule of law and accountability, describing them as essential pillars for sustaining democracy in Nigeria.
Odey made the call while declaring open the 2026 Bar Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Calabar Branch (Doyen Bar), on behalf of Governor Bassey Edet Otu. The event’s theme is “Rule of Law: Safeguarding Democracy, Ensuring Accountability.”
Odey stated that citizens look to the law as both the first and last line of defence, emphasising that lawyers are not merely professionals but custodians of civilisation.
“From the earliest principles of common law to the modern constitutional framework that governs our republic, it has been lawyers—in courts, in the legislature, in communities, and in the state—who have stood at the delicate lines between order and chaos, justice and oppression, and democracy and tyranny,” he said.
He described accountability as the “oxygen of democracy,” warning that without it, institutions would suffocate, governments would stagnate, and the social contract between leaders and citizens would dissolve. According to him, accountability must serve as the nation’s conscience—bold enough to speak truth to power, principled enough to resist the temptations of authority, and courageous enough to pursue justice regardless of whose interests are involved.
Odey stressed that accountability is a collective responsibility and reaffirmed that the judiciary remains the third arm of government, not merely a department.
He further disclosed that the Cross River State Government has supported the NBA Calabar Branch with a plot of land and a financial contribution of five million naira.
“The Nigeria we desire—prosperous, just, free, and accountable—will not build itself. It requires builders,” he added, describing lawyers as key contributors to the nation’s legal and moral foundation.
He encouraged Bar members to see the Bar Week not as a holiday but as an opportunity for reflection, growth, and renewed commitment to justice, assuring that the state government remains a partner in building a society where justice is accessible to all.
Also speaking, the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Ededem C. Ani, described the theme as compelling and timely. He noted that it reflects the core responsibilities of the legal profession in a democratic society, where the rule of law remains the foundation of justice and good governance amid evolving legal and societal challenges. According to him, it serves as a reminder for legal practitioners to remain steadfast as defenders of democratic ideals.
Ani commended the leadership of the NBA Calabar Branch under Chairman Enome J. Amatey, Esq., for his dedication to professionalism and meaningful engagement on issues affecting both the profession and society. He described the Doyen Bar as a long-standing hub of intellectual discourse and expressed confidence that the 2026 Bar Week would further strengthen that reputation.
The Attorney General also acknowledged the keynote speaker, Professor Desmond D. Dakas (SAN), noting that his expertise in constitutional law and governance would enrich the discourse and provide valuable insights into the theme.
“As legal practitioners, we share a collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of the justice system and ensure accountability in our institutions. Events such as this provide a valuable platform for reflection, dialogue, and renewed commitment to these ideals,” he said. He congratulated the Doyen Bar and wished participants a successful and impactful Bar Week.
On her part, the Chief Judge of Cross River State, Hon. Justice Akon B. Ikpeme, commended the leadership of the NBA Calabar Branch, past and present, for sustaining the association’s vision. She noted that the Bar Week provides an opportunity for legal practitioners and stakeholders to reflect on past achievements and chart a path toward a stronger future for the profession and society.
Speaking on the theme, Justice Ikpeme described it as timely, stressing that the rule of law is fundamental to democracy and ensures equality before the law regardless of status, ethnicity, or religion. She emphasised that legal practitioners, as custodians of justice, must uphold the rule of law and maintain the highest ethical standards, noting that their actions—through litigation, legislation, or community engagement—have significant impact on society.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, represented by Dr. Comfort Uko, described the legal profession as a calling rather than just a career. She urged younger lawyers to emulate senior members of the Bar not only in legal excellence but also in leadership and service. She stressed the importance of truth and integrity in preserving the profession’s legacy and announced a donation of one million naira in support of the Bar Week activities.
Mary Kijie
