Akwa Ibom gov swears in 8th chief judge

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, has sworn in Ekaette Obot, as the acting chief judge of the state.

Obot succeeded Godwin Abraham, who bowed out of service on Tuesday.

The governor commended Obot for effective discharge of her duties, explaining that her selection as acting chief judge was strictly on merit.

In his words, “Let me congratulate the newly sworn in acting Chief Judge, don’t ask how the selection process came ,she has served the state so well. It’s a good thing and I don’t have any doubt that she will do so well, you know women are really struggling and should be given a chance in the society.

“I read during Covid-19 how women who were in charge, handled the pandemic so nicely, I want to believe that the judiciary will fare more efficiently.”

Emmanuel also thanked the immediate past chief judge for “serving creditably”, explaining that his government has continued working to fill the gaps and bring about synergy between the executive and the judiciary arms of government.

“We will try to strengthen our judiciary system to promote unity, oneness and progress. See the way we work together in synergy to serve the state, you can ask the speaker, he’ll tell you same, it’s is a collaborative government and there is separation of powers,” he said.

The governor urged the acting chief judge to ensure the unity of the judiciary, intérpret the rule of law while charging other judges to stand by her and give her the necessary support she needs to take the judiciary to greater heights.