Ayade swears in the president of the customary court and reviews the salary of the paralegals

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has sworn in the new President of the Customary Court of Appeal of Cross River, Justice Anjor Mbe.

It also approved a 100% increase in salaries and benefits for bailiffs.

He made the announcement Tuesday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor's Office, Calabar.

The Governor said he was acting on the recommendations of the Courtworkers Welfare Review Committee headed by retired Judge Eyo Effiong Ita as President and the State Service Chief, Timothy Ogbang Akwaji as Secretary,

It should be recalled that prior to today, magistrates and a handful of other court workers generally protested to the governor's office that their names were not included on the state payroll.

At one point, the Governor even denied knowledge of their involvement in the service.

The new salary plan will come into effect on August 1, 2022.

Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal will also see their salaries increased by 100% while those of magistrates will be increased by 50%.

During today's event, the Governor further granted all state law officers an immediate land allotment.

According to Ayade, “As per state government policy, any sworn officer of the court will have their official car ready for delivery.

"We have witnessed a massive vacancy in the Ministry of Justice caused by retirements. To this effect, we have approved for the President of the Supreme Court with the support of the Head of Service and the Public Service Commission, the employment of 500 agents in the Ministry of Justice for the first phase alone."

He revealed that his administration had also approved the setting aside of 25% of gross emoluments to support bailiffs' allowances in terms of vacations, travel, among others.