By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Two new judges for Akwa Ibom State High Court have been sworn-in by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
They are Justices Eme Daniel Ekong and Effiong Asuquo Effiong.
Justice Ekong, 56, after called to Bar in December 1990, has served in the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary and rose through the ranks to the position of Chief Magistrate 1, while Affiong, 48, last served as Chief Registrar in the State Judiciary, prior to the appointment.
Speaking after administering the oaths of allegiance and office, Gov Emmanuel and congratulated the newly sworn in benchers and commended the contributions of the Judiciary to the functioning of the state government.
“While I congratulate the two judges, I’m happy we’re doing this before the end of 2021”, Governor Emmanuel declared.
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.
“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.
Governor 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 for the State magistrates courts 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.
