Nelson Utip
Justice Ekaete Fabian Obot, The Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge has inaugurated a 15 man Local Government Election Petition Tribunal in the state on Monday, the tribunal is made up of five persons drawn from each of the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State.
Justice Obot said the inauguration of the panel is in fulfillment of section 43 and 45 (1) of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2024 (as amended), she charged the members not to compromise in any form in the course of their assignment but to uphold the ethics of legal profession, diligence, integrity and respect in their duties.
The Chief Judge Obot also told members of the tribunal to handle matters brought before them with due diligence and stick to the time frame of their assignment.
“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.
“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.” Obot said.
Members of the panel are 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,
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.
