Akwa Ibom gov swears in new judges

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom State, has sworn in new judges in the state judiciary,

The new judges, Eme Daniel Ekong and Effiong Asuquo Effiong, were sworn in on Thursday.

Ekong, 56, was called to Bar in December 1990. She has risen through the ranks in the Akwa Ibom judiciary, once serving as Chief Magistrate 1, while Effiong FCIA, 48, last served as chief registrar in the state judiciary.

Speaking after administering the oaths of allegiance and office, the governor congratulated the newly sworn in benchers and commended the contributions of the judiciary to the functioning of the state government.

The Governor sued for closer collaborations and harmonious relationship of the members of the judicial arm of government with the state executive, while tasking the legal institution in the state to strive to give the state a good representation at the federal benches.

“While I congratulate the two judges, I’m happy we’re doing this before the end of 2021. I know the work is a whole lot, but as much as we can, let’s keep a good relationship. Let me thank you for how you’ve worked with us so far and I hope we gear up for an even better collaborations in moving the state forward in 2022”, he said.

Emmanuel restated the commitment of his administration to boost justice delivery at all levels of the state judicial system which, he affirmed, informed his effort to ensure the swearing in of the new judges before the end of 2021.

He further buttressed the commitment by indicating readiness to approve the appointment of at least ten new magistrates and considerations of more members into the customary courts.

“I know you’ve also made a request for appointments of new Magistrates and Customary Court Members. I will try and make sure we appoint ten new Magistrates. I think we should try and fill that first before we go to the Customary Courts,” the governor stated.