The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaete Fabian-Obot, has cautioned the newly appointed Chief Registrar of the state’s judiciary, Affiong Usimkah against listening to unnecessary gossip in the discharge of her official duties.
Usimkah was appointed on December 23, 2024, to replace her predecessor, Winnifred Umohandi.
The CJ, in a statement in Uyo, the state capital, on Friday, said she was grateful to God for making it possible to successfully appoint the new chief registrar.
“I’m happy that today, we’ve been able to successfully appoint another person. It was a very rigorous interview. A lot of people showed dexterity, brilliance and grace. But in her, I found humility, grace, combined and the possibility that she’ll be very hard working as a chief registrar,” Fabian-Obot asserted.
She added, “As you come in I expect that you will do your job diligently, without fear or favour. Report to me any issues you may have in administration. Seek advice from your predecessor, Winifred, because she knows me and I worked very comfortably with her. so we had a very wonderful relationship.
“I expect that relationship to continue with you. You must not listen to people. Don’t listen to unnecessary gossip. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put your ears to the ground and, be careful.
“Today marks the end of the exercise that started with the appointment of my former chief registrar who served very gloriously. I have a very nostalgic feeling having to let go.”
Usimkah was until her recent appointment, the presiding Chief Magistrate at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abak.
Born on December 9, 1979, Usimkah hails from the Mbo Local Government Area of the state.
In 1998, she was admitted into the University of Uyo to study Law. She graduated in 2004 and was called to the Bar in 2005.
Usimkah was appointed Magistrate in 2011 before rising through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate.