A’Ibom CJ inaugurates LG election petitions tribunal

Ahead of the October 5 local government election in Akwa Ibom State, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, has inaugurated a 15-member election petitions tribunal to adjudicate on possible disputes from the poll.

The tribunal is made up of five members from each of the three senatorial districts of the state.

The panel for the Uyo Senatorial District has George Ituen as chairman and Comfort Gladstone, Sunday Udo Abasiubong, Unyime Joseph Akpan, and Godwin Thompson Nkorok as members.

The Eket Senatorial District panel has Peter Ndem as Chairman and Emmanuel Akpan, Margaret Ekere, Mr Usen Eden, and Abasiadoama Etim as members.

For Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Samuel Akpabio is the Chairman, while Peter Ime Akpan, Ime Richard Utah, Udeme Tom and Mrs Jersey Ekpo are members.

Speaking while inaugurating the panel on Monday at the CJ’s Chambers along Willongton Bassey Road, Uyo, Justice 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.”

She charged the panellists to conduct themselves properly and to work within the ethics of the legal profession while reminding them that whatever they did would be the foundation for their future, profession and career.

She urged them not to compromise but to exhibit respect, dignity and honour in discharging their duties.

The CJ further reminded the adjudicators that they were time-bound in determining cases brought before them, noting that LG elections, being the one for the grassroots and the anchor of the whole electoral system, were very important.

“And please, as you start your work, make sure you conduct yourselves properly within the ethics of our profession and make sure you do not compromise in any way.

“You must individually be very careful about how you conduct yourself. Be careful to do your job with respect, dignity and honour usually ascribed to our noble profession,” the CJ said.

Responding on behalf of the panel, Ituen commended the executive and judiciary arms of the state for the honour and promised to uphold the integrity of their profession and make the judiciary proud.