The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot has inaugurated a 15 member Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal as the October 05 Local Government Elections approaches.
The petition tribunal is made up of five members from each of the three Senatorial districts of the state.
The inauguration which took place at the Chambers of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom state yesterday, was conducted by the State’s Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian Obot.
A release signed by the Hon. Chief Judge and made available to newsmen stated: “Pursuant to Sections 43 and 45 (1) of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2024 (as amended), the Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal for each of the Senatorial Districts has been constituted… ”
Speaking while inaugurating the panel, the Chief Judge charged them to conduct themselves properly and to work within the ethics of the legal profession reminding them that whatever they are doing today is the foundation they are laying for their future profession and career.
She urged them not to compromise in anyway but to exhibit respect, dignity and honour in the discharge of their duties.
Justice Obot reminded the adjudicators that they are time-bound in determining cases brought before them noting that local government elections are grassroots elections and the anchor of the whole electoral system, saying that it is a very important election.
“… And please as you go to start work… Make sure you conduct yourselves properly within the ethics of our profession and make sure you do not compromise in anyway.
“So you must individually be very careful on how you conduct yourself.
“Be careful to do your job with respect, dignity and honour that is usually ascribed to our noble profession.
Those sworn-in were: George Ituen, Esq. (Chairman), Comfort Gladstone, Esq., Sunday Udo Abasiubong, Esq., Unyime Joseph Akpan, Esq. and Godwin Thompson Nkorok, for the Uyo Senatorial district.
Other were Peter Ndem, Esq. (Chairman), Emmanuel Akpan, Esq., Margaret Ekere, Esq., Mr. Usen Eden, and Abasiadoama Etim, for the Eket Senatorial district.
Also sworn in were Samuel Akpabio, Esq. (Chairman), Peter Ime Akpan, Esq., Ime Richard Utah, Esq., Udeme Tom, Esq., and Mrs. Jersey Ekpo, for the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
Responding, and speaking on behalf of the judicial umpires, George Ituen, Esq., Chairman, Uyo Senatorial District panel commended both the State government and the State Judiciary for the honour done them promising to uphold the integrity of their profession and to do the judiciary proud in their assignments.