LG Poll: Akwa Ibom Chief Justice launches election petition tribunal

Akwa Ibom State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Fabian Obot on Monday inaugurated a 15 man local government election petition tribunal in the state.

The tribunal comprises of five persons drawn from each of the three senatorial districts of Akwa Ibom State.

The Chief Judge while inaugurating the panel said it was in fulfillment of section 43 and 45 (1) of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2024 (as amended).

Justice Obot charged the tribunal against compromise in any form but to uphold the ethics of legal profession, diligence, integrity and respect while discharging their duties.

Obot told members of panel that they are time bound in their mandate and urged them to deal with matters brought before them with diligence.

“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,” she 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.

Others are 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.