A 15-member Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal has been inaugurated by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaete Fabian Obot.
The tribunal, which was inaugurated at the Chambers of the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Wednesday, October 2, 2024, has five members from each of the three senatorial districts of the state.
The inauguration is 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 also 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 any way but to exhibit respect, dignity and honour in the discharge of their duties, and reminded the adjudicators that they are time bound.
“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 any way.
“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.
“I wish you all the best and please… You must note that you are time bound in determining cases. Local government elections are grassroots elections and very important… It is the anchor, I can say, of the whole system”, she said.
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.
Others 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.
