The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Obot, has inaugurated a 15-member Local Government Election Petitions Tribunal for the October 5th Local Government election in the state. 

The Tribunal is made up of five members from each of the three Senatorial districts of the state.

Speaking while inaugurating the panel on Monday, at the CJ’s Chambers in Uyo, Obot said the constitution of the panel was in fulfilment of sections 43 and 45 (1) of the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission Law 2024 (as amended).

She said, “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 been constituted.”

The CJ charged the panellists to conduct themselves properly and to work within the ethics of the legal profession.

She urged them not to compromise in any way but to exhibit respect, dignity and honour in the discharge of their duties. 

The CJ further reminded the adjudicators that they are time-bound in determining cases brought before them, noting that local government elections are grassroots elections and the anchor of the whole electoral system.

 “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 about how you conduct yourself. Be careful to do your job with respect, dignity and honour that is usually ascribed to our noble profession.

“You must note that you are time-bound in determining cases… Local government elections are grassroots elections and are very important. It is the anchor, I can say, of the whole system,” she said.

Responding, on behalf of the judicial panel, the Chairman, Uyo Senatorial District panel, George Ituen, Esq., 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.

Those sworn in 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. 

Others are Peter Ndem, Esq. (Chairman), Emmanuel Akpan, Esq., Margaret Ekere, Esq., Mr Usen Eden, and Abasiadoama Etim, for the Eket Senatorial district. 

Also sworn in include 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.