Akwa Ibom CJ sets Up Committee to Review Judicial Service Rules

Akwa Ibom CJ Sets Up Committee to Review Judicial Service Rules

 

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, has inaugurated a six-man committee to update the state’s Judicial Service Commission rules.

 

She announced the move during the opening of the 2025/2026 legal year at the Judiciary Multi-purpose Hall in Uyo.

 

Justice Fabian-Obot explained that the step followed directives from the Conference of Secretaries of Judicial Service Commissions/Committees in the Federation, which held in July at the Federal Judicial Service Commission complex, Lagos. The meeting, chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, urged states to align their operations with federal models while accommodating local peculiarities.

 

She noted that states such as Anambra, Lagos, Osun and Rivers had already updated their judicial service rules.

 

Members of the committee include the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN); Imowo Okpokpo; Dr Emmanuel Akpan; and Christopher Emmanuel. Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Prof. Enefiok Essien, will serve as secretary, while the Chief Judge chairs the committee.

 

Reviewing the activities of the judiciary, Justice Fabian-Obot commended Governor Umo Eno for resolving accumulated debts that had hindered the judiciary’s operations. She said funding challenges had been addressed, describing the governor’s intervention as a “soft landing” that has brought relief to the third arm of government.

 

Governor Eno, speaking at a church service to mark the new legal year, pledged continuous support for the judiciary. He stressed his administration’s commitment to collaboration and respect for the separation of powers.

 

The legal year activities began with a health walk and a novelty football match between the judiciary team and the Nigerian Correctional Service, Akwa Ibom State Command.