January 02, (THEWILL) – Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has sworn in two new High Court judges.
They are Justice Eme Daniel Ekong and Justice Effiong Asuquo Effiong.
Justice Eme Ekong, 56, has served in the  Akwa Ibom State judiciary and rose through the ranks to the position of Chief Magistrate 1, while Effiong Effiong (FCIA), 48, served as Chief Registrar in the judiciary, prior to his new appointment.
Speaking after administering the oaths of allegiance and office, Emmanuel congratulated the newly sworn-in benchers and commended the contributions of the judiciary to the state’s governance.
“While I congratulate the two judges, I am happy that we are doing this before the end of 2021,” Governor Emmanuel declared.
The governor called for collaboration and a harmonious relationship between members of the judicial and executive arm of government, while urging the legal institution in the state to strive to give the state a good representation at the federal benches.
“I know the work is much, but let us keep a good relationship. Let me thank you for working with us so far. I hope we gear up for even better collaboration toward moving the state forward in 2022,” he said.
Emmanuel reiterated his administration’s commitment to boosting 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 said his government was ready to approve the appointment of at least 10 new magistrates to the state magistrate courts and to consider bringing more members to 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,” he said.
